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The Copa Libertadores semifinal clash between Internacional and Fluminense was a captivating two-legged affair filled with drama, tactical intrigue, and ultimately, heartbreak for the Brazilian side from Porto Alegre. While many expected a tight contest, the matches delivered on the promise of high stakes South American football.

The first leg, held at the Maracanã in Rio de Janeiro, saw Fluminense take a 2-2 draw. While Internacional secured what appeared to be valuable away goals, the game was far from a comfortable victory. Fluminense’s Germán Cano, a prolific goalscorer throughout the tournament, proved a constant threat. Internacional initially took the lead through a Hugo Mallo own goal and an Enner Valencia strike, but Fluminense battled back. Cano scored twice, exhibiting his predatory instincts and ensuring a level playing field heading into the second leg. Internacional coach Eduardo Coudet would later lament his team’s inability to hold onto their lead and control the match’s tempo more effectively.

The return leg at the Estádio Beira-Rio in Porto Alegre was a tense and fiercely contested battle. Internacional took the lead early through Gabriel Mercado, bolstering their aggregate advantage and sending their home fans into raptures. The atmosphere was electric, with Internacional seemingly on course for their first Copa Libertadores final since their triumph in 2010. However, Fluminense refused to surrender. Their persistence paid off when John Kennedy equalized late in the second half, silencing the home crowd and leveling the aggregate score. The game went to penalties.

The penalty shootout was a nerve-wracking affair. Both teams displayed composure initially, converting their opening spot-kicks. However, the tide turned when Internacional’s Luiz Adriano, a veteran forward, saw his penalty saved by Fluminense goalkeeper Fábio. This proved to be the decisive moment. Fluminense converted their remaining penalties, sealing a 5-3 shootout victory and a place in the Copa Libertadores final.

For Internacional, the defeat was a bitter pill to swallow. They had come so close to reaching the final, playing in front of their passionate supporters. The loss highlighted the fine margins that often determine success in knockout football. Their inability to maintain a lead over two legs proved costly, and the penalty shootout heartbreak added to the pain. The focus will now shift to regrouping and challenging for domestic honors.

Fluminense, on the other hand, celebrated a momentous achievement. Under the guidance of coach Fernando Diniz, they had overcome a strong Internacional side and booked their spot in the Copa Libertadores final. Germán Cano’s goals were crucial, and goalkeeper Fábio’s penalty heroics cemented his status as a club legend. Fluminense’s attacking style, often characterized by intricate passing and fluid movement, posed a significant challenge to Internacional. Their journey to the final has been a testament to their resilience and attacking prowess, and they now look forward to battling for the ultimate prize in South American club football.