First Libertadores and Copa do Brasil Double

Lore & Background

The double was forged in fire and resilience. After a dramatic comeback against Independiente del Valle in the Libertadores final, where the team overcame a deficit to claim their third continental title, they turned their focus inward. The Copa do Brasil final against Athletico Paranaense required a second-leg victory at home after a draw away, testing the squad's mental fortitude. Securing both titles in one year validated the club's resurgence and established a new benchmark for excellence in South American football.

In Their Own Story

The air inside Allianz Parque was thick with anticipation as the final whistle approached against Athletico Paranaense. The scoreboard flickered, confirming the victory that would complete the impossible double. Players collapsed onto the lush green pitch, not just celebrating a win, but etching their names into the permanent history of the club. From the stands, the roar of 40,000 fans echoed like thunder, a sound that declared Palmeiras had finally reached the pinnacle of Brazilian and 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?

• Palmeiras became the only club in Brazil to win three Copa Libertadores titles before achieving their second Copa do Brasil title in 2021.
• The 2021 double was achieved without losing a single match in the knockout stages of either tournament after the quarter-finals.
• Abel Ferreira became the first coach in Palmeiras history to win both major continental and domestic titles in his debut season with the club.
• Rony scored crucial goals in both finals, playing a pivotal role in securing the historic double.