It wasn't just Guilhermo Varela's performance that caught the eye in the CONMEBOL Libertadores final, won by Flamengo 1-0 over Palmeiras last Saturday (29). According to the physical data from the match, the right-back recorded the two highest maximum speeds of the final for the red-black side: the highest one at 92 minutes (33,19km/h), and the second (32,6km/h) still in the first half.

The play in which he registered the peak speed of the match perfectly illustrates Varela's commitment during the contest. He anticipated a switch of play by the Palmeiras team, dispossessed the opponent, and launched an attack. The full-back ended up losing the ball, but not without a fierce battle for possession with the defender. Subsequently, he continued to pressure Palmeiras' passing game in the attacking half.

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In addition to his speed stats, Varela had a significant impact in different phases of the game. The Uruguayan was one of the two players with the most ball recoveries (14), and he also performed intensely in pressing situations, exactly as in the play described earlier.

With the ball, he also stood out: Varela was the second Flamengo player with the most passes (69) in the final, behind Léo Pereira (77). He was also second in progressive passes (16), behind Alex Sandro (17) and tied with the defender. 

In terms of physical metrics, the full-back was among the athletes with the highest intensity, registering 13% of his total distance covered at high speed, one of the highest proportions in the team in the final.

With Saturday's game, Varela reached 123 appearances for Flamengo, scoring four goals. In 2025, he has played 48 games and scored two goals, maintaining a consistent presence in the team throughout the season.