First Libertadores and Copa do Brasil Double

Lore & Background

The double was forged in fire and resilience. After a tense 1-0 victory over Santos in the Libertadores final (played in January 2021), sealed by a dramatic Breno Lopes goal in the 90+9th minute, they turned their focus inward. The Copa do Brasil final against Grêmio was won with a 1-0 away victory in the first leg and a 2-0 home triumph in the second leg, showcasing the squad's mental fortitude. Securing both titles for the 2020 season validated the club's resurgence and established a new benchmark for excellence in South American football.

Reader's Guide

The 2021 Copa Libertadores was won by defeating Independiente del Valle in a two-legged final. After losing the first leg 1-0 in Ecuador, Palmeiras returned to Brazil for a decisive match at Allianz Parque. A goal from Deyverson and a dramatic penalty converted by Rony secured a 3-0 aggregate victory, clinching the third continental title. The Copa do Brasil followed shortly after. In the final against Athletico Paranaense, the teams drew 1-1 in Curitiba. The second leg at Allianz Parque saw Palmeiras dominate with goals from Deyverson and Rony, winning 2-0 on aggregate to lift the trophy. This campaign set a new record for the most major titles held by any Brazilian club, reaching 34 total honours. It also marked the first time in history that a Brazilian team won both the Libertadores and Copa do Brasil in the same year, a statistical anomaly that underscores the unique dominance of this specific season.

Did You Know?

• The 2020 season double was achieved without losing a single match in the knockout stages of either tournament after the quarter-finals.
• Breno Lopes scored the only goal in the Libertadores final, while the Copa do Brasil final goals came from Wesley (first leg) and Gabriel Menino (second leg). Gustavo Gómez scored only in the first leg, not the second.