The Copa Libertadores match between Independiente Medellín and Flamengo never really got going.
Five minutes in, the referee pulled both teams off the field after DIM fans threw fireworks, flares, and metal fencing torn from the stands onto the pitch, mostly behind Agustín Rossi's goal, per CNN Brasil.
CONMEBOL officials and players took shelter in the locker rooms. The match was eventually called off.
This wasn't out of nowhere. DIM crashed out of the Liga BetPlay playoffs four days ago against Águilas Doradas, and the club's largest shareholder Raúl Giraldo went after his own fans, per Raisa Simplicio of Goal Brasil.
Police had warned DIM to play the match behind closed doors. The club said no.
DIM are likely facing significant CONMEBOL sanctions. Flamengo's players were unharmed.
DIM vs Flamengo game cancelled, 0-0
0' - Game cancelled
Officially from CONMEBOL officials, the game has been canceled. But at least we know Jorginho is safe.
Estamos bem e aguardando por aqui! 🙏🏼🫶🏼 pic.twitter.com/T8nyANTGkB
— Jorginho Frello (@FrelloJorginho) May 8, 2026
0' - Context
Four days ago, after DIM's Liga BetPlay elimination at the hands of Águilas Doradas, the club's largest shareholder Raúl Giraldod provoked the team's own supporters in his comments.
Tonight's chaos at the Atanasio Girardot, the fireworks, the flares, the fencing torn from the stands, is fans turning on the front office. Many of them didn't want this match played at all.
Há 4 dias, após uma eliminação, o presidente do Independiente Medellín, provocou a sua própria torcida. Essa é uma das revoltas dos “hinchas” do DIM, que não querem que a partida seja realizada pic.twitter.com/8pfh5uODr3
— Raisa Simplicio (@simpraisa) May 8, 2026
0' - Game still interrupted
Seems like officials are just trying to wait out the people with fireworks and lasers. If we see any football tonight, it'll be awhile. Which is a shame because this is an exciting matchup on paper.
0' - Stoppage
The Medellin fans seem to be getting what they want, which is a stoppage in the game. Seems like it'll get underway eventually, but this is wild. Yikes.
Both teams are returning to the locker room.
— Flamengo (@Flamengo_en) May 8, 2026
5' | #DIMxFLA 0-0
5' - Lots of lasers and fireworks
DIM's season has been a frustrating one. They were eliminated from the Liga playoffs just last week, and this Libertadores run is what the fans have been left to hold onto. The lasers and fireworks from the stands explain their feelings.
1' - We're underway in Medellin
Medellin and Flamengo is underway at Atanasio Girardot for the Copa Libertadores Group A clash.
0' - DIM 0, Flamengo 0
Follow along for live updates as Independiente Medellin host Flamengo.
A #Chegada do Mais Querido! 🟥⬛️#DIMxFLA pic.twitter.com/V5xkLrXuoc
— Flamengo (@Flamengo) May 7, 2026
Medellín Lineup vs Flamengo
Medellín (4-2-3-1): Chaux; Mena, Ortiz, Londoño, Fabra; Moreno, Loboa; Chaverra, Serna, González; Fydriszewski
Flamengo Lineup vs Medellín
Flamengo (4-2-3-1): Rossi; Royal, Danilo, Pereira, Sandro; E. Araújo, Jorginho; L. Araújo, Carrascal, Lino; Henrique
Copa Libertadores Group A Table
- 1. Flamengo - 7 pts (3 GP, 2W-1D-0L, +5 GD)
- 2. Estudiantes - 6 pts (4 GP, 1W-3D-0L, +1 GD)
- 3. Independiente Medellín - 4 pts (3 GP, 1W-1D-1L, -2 GD)
- 4. Cusco FC - 1 pt (4 GP, 0W-1D-3L, -4 GD)
How to Watch Medellín vs Flamengo in the USA
Medellín vs Flamengo is available in the United States on fuboTV, Fanatiz, and beIN SPORTS CONNECT 4. Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, May 7.
Flamengo vs DIM Highlights
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