We have an unusual treat during the prolonged period without any Brazil games: the first all-Brazilian Copa Libertadores final since 2006, and it’s even between two clubs from São Paulo. It’s almost like soccer’s version of the Subway Series! Except Santos is like an hour away from São Paulo proper and I don’t think you can get from one to the other by train.

2020/21 Copa Libertadores Final

Sociedade Esportivo Palmeiras vs. Santos Futebol Clube

Estádio Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, January 30, 2021

Kickoff: 3:00 PM EDT / 1:00 PM BRT / 8:00 PM GMT

US TV / Streaming: Bein Sports

Format: Single game, 30 minutes extra time and penalties if needed.

Before I go into a more in-depth preview, I’d like to make two things clear: one, I am a Santos fan, and I come from a family of Santos fans, and two, I haven’t watched or followed either of these teams very much this year. I would’ve made more of an effort to follow Santos closely if this run to the final hadn’t come basically out of nowhere.

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