This past Saturday (31), fans witnessed a dramatic finale in the Copa Libertadores Femenina as Cruzeiro captured their first title in the tournament during a thrilling match. Seeking a fourth consecutive championship, Corinthians initially surged ahead with a three-goal lead. However, Cruzeiro mounted a spectacular comeback, leveling the score at 4-4 before the match went to penalties.

The intense final took place at the Estádio Rodrigo Paz Delgado, known as Casa Blanca, located at high altitude in Quito. Ultimately, Cruzeiro, coached by Jonas Urias, triumphed 5-4 in the penalty shootout, with goalkeeper Camila playing a crucial role.

In addition to their victory, Cruzeiro secured $2 million in prize money, marking a significant achievement at their first attempt in the tournament. Meanwhile, Corinthians, under coach Emily Lima, faced disappointment after finishing as runners-up in the Brasileirão.

Madness from the Start!

Corinthians quickly took control of the match, with Gabi Zanotti scoring in just four minutes. She doubled the lead before halftime at the 42-minute mark. The second half saw Vic Albuquerque extend their advantage to three goals shortly after the break, scoring in the 49th minute. However, the match took a different turn as Cruzeiro began their comeback.

The revival kicked off in the 52nd minute, with Byanca Brasil finding the net. Just six minutes later, Calhau scored, bringing Cruzeiro within one goal. Despite Vic Albuquerque restoring a two-goal cushion for Corinthians in the 68th minute, the tension remained palpable as Cruzeiro continued to push for a comeback.

Cruzeiro’s substitutions proved effective, as Ketlin scored in the 75th minute, followed by Letícia’s equalizer in stoppage time, making it 4-4—a scoreline that seemed unlikely moments earlier.

Decided in Sudden Death

The penalty shootout began with Cruzeiro’s Pri Back missing the first attempt, followed by a miss from Jaqueline, leaving both teams level after three rounds. As each side converted their remaining penalties, the shootout entered sudden death.

Bedoya’s attempt sailed over, giving Corinthians a chance to secure the title. However, Robledo also missed her penalty. Milena stepped up for Cruzeiro and converted her kick, while Camila made a critical save against Gi Fernandes, sealing the victory for Cruzeiro.

🏆 Every Winning Club

2009 – Santos 🇧🇷

2010 – Santos 🇧🇷

2011 – São José 🇧🇷

2012 – Colo-Colo 🇨🇱

2013 – São José 🇧🇷

2014 – São José 🇧🇷

2015 – Ferroviária 🇧🇷

2016 – Sportivo Limpeño 🇵🇾

2017 – Audax/Corinthians 🇧🇷

2018 – Atlético Huila 🇨🇴

2019 – Corinthians 🇧🇷

2020 – Ferroviária 🇧🇷

2021 – Corinthians 🇧🇷

2022 – Palmeiras 🇧🇷

2023 – Corinthians 🇧🇷

2024 – Corinthians 🇧🇷

2025 – Corinthians 🇧🇷

2026 – Cruzeiro 🇧🇷

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.