The Platense team is led by Martín Palermo, a former Fluminense coach and centre-forward who played for Boca Juniors. Palermo previously faced Fluminense in the 2008 Libertadores, where he scored the first goal in the semi-final at the Maracanã. Fluminense won 3-1, securing their place in the final.
Platense also has a player who was a target for Fluminense in 2025. Nico López, a Uruguayan forward, had a notable stint at Internacional and was in talks with Fluminense in 2025 while playing for Nacional in Uruguay. However, the two parties failed to reach an agreement.
The team has a number of experienced players, including Víctor Cuesta, a defender who has played for Internacional, Botafogo, and Bahia. Additionally, Franco Zapiola, a 25-year-old midfielder, is the team's top scorer with five goals this season. He has played for several clubs, including River Plate, San Lorenzo, Huracán, Peñarol, Independiente Santa Fe, Corinthians, Coquimbo Unido, Ind. Rivadavia, and Racing.
Platense will face Fluminense in the quarter-finals of the 2026 Libertadores, with Martín Palermo leading the team against his former club.