Estudiantes and Palmeiras Revive the 1968 Final

The 2026 Copa Libertadores final will feature a matchup steeped in history. Estudiantes and Palmeiras will compete for South America's biggest club trophy 58 years after the showdown that gave the Argentine side their first continental title.

A Final That Takes Estudiantes Back to Their Roots

Some matchups leave a permanent mark on the history of the Copa Libertadores. The rivalry between Estudiantes de La Plata and Palmeiras is one of them.

After eliminating Flamengo in a dramatic penalty shootout, the Argentine side secured their return to the final after a 17-year absence. Their next opponent will be the very team against whom they began building their international legacy.

In 1968, Estudiantes won their first Libertadores title after defeating Palmeiras in a final that required three matches to determine the champion.

Now, 58 years later, the two clubs will battle for the trophy once again, although this time everything will be decided in a single match.

What Happened in the 1968 Copa Libertadores Final?

The Estudiantes side coached by Osvaldo Zubeldía had developed into a competitive, disciplined team capable of challenging South America's biggest clubs.

The first leg took place on May 2, 1968, in La Plata. Palmeiras took the lead, but goals from Juan Ramón Verón and Eduardo Flores gave the Argentine side a 2-1 victory.

Five days later, the situation changed completely. In São Paulo, the Brazilian club secured a 3-1 win, forcing a third match to decide the title.

The decisive encounter was played on May 16 at the Estadio Centenario in Montevideo.

There, Felipe Ribaudo opened the scoring before Juan Ramón Verón sealed a 2-0 victory that allowed Estudiantes to lift their first Copa Libertadores trophy.

That triumph marked the beginning of an extraordinary era. Estudiantes went on to win the competition again in 1969 and 1970, completing three consecutive continental titles.

Montevideo Brings Their Paths Together Once Again

History has produced a remarkable coincidence.

CONMEBOL confirmed that the 2026 final will take place on November 28 in Montevideo, the same city where Estudiantes defeated Palmeiras in 1968.

For the Argentine club, this return represents an opportunity to claim a fifth Libertadores title and reclaim a trophy they have not lifted since 2009, when they defeated Cruzeiro with Juan Sebastián Verón among their leading figures.

Palmeiras, meanwhile, will be chasing their fourth continental crown and an opportunity to reverse the outcome of that historic final.

The matchup will also bring together two clubs whose identities have been shaped by South America's most prestigious club competition.

In 1968, Estudiantes began their continental success story against Palmeiras. In 2026, they will meet again with a new chapter waiting to be written.

Key Takeaways From the Estudiantes vs. Palmeiras Final

Estudiantes and Palmeiras will meet in a Copa Libertadores final for the first time in 58 years.
In 1968, the Argentine side claimed their first continental title with a 2-0 victory in the deciding match in Montevideo.
The 2026 final will take place on November 28 in the Uruguayan capital, where Estudiantes will pursue their fifth Libertadores title and Palmeiras their fourth.