From Quito, where his own Libertadores journey has already ended, Deyverson has added his voice to the build-up for an all-South American final between Palmeiras and Estudiantes. The LDU forward celebrated the Argentine club’s progress after Flamengo were beaten on penalties, while insisting he had no wish to taunt his former opponents.
Key takeaways
- Estudiantes eliminated Flamengo in a penalty shootout to reach the Libertadores final.
- Palmeiras will meet the Argentine side after knocking LDU out in the quarter-finals.
- Deyverson posted online wearing an Andreas Pereira Palmeiras shirt.
- The Brazilian striker said Flamengo had been favourites, but stressed that matches are settled on the pitch.
- He congratulated Estudiantes player Mancuso and called for a memorable final.
A familiar Palmeiras-Flamengo memory
Deyverson’s reaction carried a particular historical edge. He scored Palmeiras’ winning goal in the 2021 Copa Libertadores final against Flamengo, capitalising on a mistake by Andreas Pereira, who now plays for the São Paulo club.
After Estudiantes’ shootout victory, Deyverson shared a photograph in Pereira’s Palmeiras shirt and described the forthcoming meeting with Estudiantes as a major final. His later video message was directed towards the Argentine winners, with Mancuso receiving a personal mention.
“Well done to my Argentine friends,” Deyverson said. “Mancuso, I’m happy for you, brother. You came up against a great team. Flamengo were strong favourites, but football is played on the field.”
No mockery from Quito
The forward also sought to dampen any suggestion that his posts were aimed at provoking Flamengo supporters. LDU had been removed from the competition by Palmeiras in the quarter-finals, leaving Deyverson outside the final despite his evident affection for the Brazilian champions.
“I am not going to make fun of anyone,” he said. “I was eliminated too. Let it be a great final.”
