Cruzeiro Triumphs Over Corinthians in Thrilling 2026 Libertadores Feminina Final
Cruzeiro secures its first Libertadores Feminina title after a dramatic 4-4 draw and penalty shootout victory over Corinthians, who faced a challenging year with multiple runner-up finishes.
Key details
- Cruzeiro won the 2026 Libertadores Feminina final against Corinthians on penalties after a 4-4 draw.
- Gabi Zanotti scored twice for Corinthians, reaching her 101st goal for the club.
- Cruzeiro earned a prize of US$ 2.05 million for winning the tournament.
- Corinthians experienced their fourth runner-up finish of the season and faced financial challenges.
- Coach Arthur Elias defended the pause of the Brasileirão during the Women's World Cup as necessary.
The 2026 Libertadores Feminina final delivered a dramatic showdown between Corinthians and Cruzeiro at Estádio Rodrigo Paz Delgado in Quito, Ecuador, culminating in a remarkable 4-4 draw and a nail-biting penalty shootout that saw Cruzeiro claim their first-ever title by defeating Corinthians 5-4 on penalties.
In an intense match, Corinthians took an early lead with a commanding 3-0 advantage, fueled by two goals from Gabi Zanotti, who celebrated her 100th and 101st goals for the club. However, Cruzeiro mounted a stunning comeback, leveling the score to 4-4 and pushing the contest to penalties. Their resilience paid off as they emerged victorious in the shootout.
Cruzeiro's win not only marks a historic milestone for the club but also secured a substantial prize of US$ 2.05 million (R$ 11.1 million) for their campaign. This triumph interrupts Corinthians' dominance in Brazilian women's football, where the team had previously secured multiple titles and sought their seventh Libertadores trophy and fourth consecutive victory.
For Corinthians, the season proved challenging, marking their fourth runner-up finish after losses in the FIFA Women's Champions Cup to Arsenal, the Supercopa Feminina to Palmeiras, and the Brasileirão to São Paulo. The club has also faced financial difficulties, including payment delays akin to issues in their men's team.
Players and staff reflected on the match and the season’s struggles. Gabi Zanotti expressed deep disappointment, emphasizing the need to rebuild the team after a tough year. Vic Albuquerque noted that critical defensive errors at decisive moments contributed to the loss, despite strong performances throughout the tournament. Corinthians coach Arthur Elias defended the decision to pause the Brasileirão during the Women's World Cup, calling the criticism surrounding it "ignorance."
Both squads demonstrated high-quality football and determination, but Cruzeiro’s remarkable comeback and penalty performance earned them a deserved place at the pinnacle of South American women's club football. Meanwhile, Corinthians must now focus on recuperation and future successes, including their pursuit of the Paulistão title, where they have reached the semifinals.
Source articles (4)
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ge.globo.com Nov 1, 2026
Cruzeiro embolsa prêmio milionário com conquista da Libertadores Feminina; veja valores
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metropoles.com Nov 1, 2026
Confira as escalações de Corinthians e Cruzeiro para final da Libertadores
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estadao.com.br Nov 1, 2026
Zanotti lamenta perda de título do Corinthians e ano difícil: ‘Tem de reconstruir’
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Cruzeiro impõe mais um vice ao Corinthians e vence a Libertadores feminina pela primeira vez
Source comparison
Match score and outcome
Sources report different final scores and outcomes of the match.
ge.globo.com
"The match concluded with a dramatic 4-4 scoreline, leading to a penalty shootout where Cruzeiro triumphed."
estadao.com.br
"Corinthians initially led 3-0 against Cruzeiro but ultimately lost 5-4 in a penalty shootout."
estadao.com.br
"Corinthians initially leading 3-0, but Cruzeiro made a remarkable comeback to equalize at 4-4, ultimately winning 5-4 in the penalty shootout."
Why this matters: Sources disagree on the final score of the match, with one stating a 4-4 draw leading to a penalty shootout won by Cruzeiro, while another claims Corinthians led 3-0 before losing 5-4 in penalties. This discrepancy significantly affects the understanding of the match's events and outcome.