Platense vs Fluminense

Platense host Fluminense at Vicente López on 15 September with a Libertadores semi-final spot on the line, and it's a genuinely new fixture: the first-ever official meeting between the two clubs. It's the second leg, following the opener at the Maracanã, with 2023 champions Fluminense pushing near the top of the Brasileirão while debutants Platense sit mid-table in Argentina. Platense have been the competition's surprise package, topping Corinthians and Peñarol in the group before edging past Coquimbo Unido on penalties, with Franco Zapiola the standout scorer under new coach Martín Palermo. Fluminense limped through the group stage before recovering, then also needed penalties to eliminate Independiente Rivadavia, leaning on Lucho Acosta's creativity, Hulk's experience and veteran keeper Fábio. With no prior history between the two clubs, this tie is uncharted territory for both. Our prediction: 1-1