Libertadores: Fluminense has already lost a final at Maracanã in 2008

In the 2008 Libertadores campaign, Fluminense's journey comprised 14 encounters, characterized by nine victories, two draws, and three defeats

Desmond Efe-Khaese

2023-11-04 11:08:04

Image Credits: © (@Libertadores on twitter)

In 2008, a historic clash unfolded at the Maracanã as Fluminense and LDU met in the Libertadores final. The tournament marks a bittersweet memory for Fluminense, as they suffered a heartbreaking loss to LDU in a penalty shootout at the same iconic stadium.

How many legs was the 2008 Copa Libertadores finals between Fluminense and LDU?

In the 2008 Copa Libertadores finals, a two-legged football showdown took place to determine the champion. It pitted Liga Deportiva Universitaria de Quito (LDU) from Quito, Ecuador, against Fluminense Football Club from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Interestingly, both teams were in their first-ever finals.

The initial leg was hosted at LDU Quito’s home ground, La Casa Blanca, in Quito, Ecuador on 25 June 2008. The second leg occurred at Fluminense’s home field, Maracanã, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on 2 July 2008. After each team claimed one victory and the goal difference was level at the conclusion of extra time in the second leg, LDU Quito emerged as the champions in a penalty shootout, winning 3-1.

Fluminense x LDU 2008 Copa Libertadores finals match highlights

The initial leg in Quito, Ecuador, witnessed a dramatic encounter, where Fluminense found themselves on the wrong side of a 4-2 scoreline against LDU. In the first half, goals from Bieler, Guerron, Campos, and Urrutia for LDU were countered by Conca’s strike for Flu. The half ended 4-1.

The second half saw Thiago Neves giving Fluminense a boost with a goal but the damage was already done. Fluminense lost 4-2.

A near win in the second leg

The second leg began amid a buzzing Maracaná where Fluminense faced LDU with high expectations. Surprisingly, it was LDU who struck first, with Bolaños finding the net after just six minutes. Fluminense swiftly countered, thanks to Thiago Neves, who netted twice in the first half.

Neves wasn’t done and added another goal in the second half. The home team relentlessly pressed for a crucial fourth goal to secure the title, but as the clock ticked on, the match ventured into extra time.

In a deviation from earlier knockout rounds, the away goal rule didn’t apply in the final, prolonging the game beyond the regular duration. Despite Thiago Neves’s stellar performance, Fluminense fell short of claiming the championship and the match ended 3 – 1 in favour of Fluminense leaving aggregates at 5-5 which took the match to penalties.

The pinnacle of tension came during the penalty shootout, where goalkeeper Cevallos transformed into a hero. He thwarted Fluminense’s Conca, Thiago Neves, and Washington with mesmerizing saves. In the end, LDU won 3 – 1 in penalties.

Controversy at the 2008 Libertadores final

Controversy surrounded the match, with Fluminense vehemently protesting the refereeing decisions, particularly a disputed penalty call and leniency on yellow cards. The match’s extended duration saw fewer clear scoring opportunities, including a disallowed goal for offside.

This triumph, however, marked a historic moment as LDU Quito became the first Ecuadorian club to secure a Copa Libertadores title.

In the 2008 Libertadores campaign, Fluminense’s journey comprised 14 encounters, characterized by nine victories, two draws, and three defeats. The campaign’s crowning achievements included triumphant victories against São Paulo and Boca Juniors in the quarter-finals and semi-finals, respectively.