December 2 – Ten-man Botafogo clinched their first-ever Copa Libertadores with a 3-1 win in opposition to Atletico Mineiro in a gripping closing in Buenos Aires on Saturday.
For 88 minutes Botafogo performed with 10 males, however in a wierd accident, Gregore’s second-minute sending-off proved to be a blessing in disguise for the Rio membership. They’d simply 20% of possession and accomplished a meagre 145 passes and nonetheless got here out on high.
Botafogo had a nightmare begin when Gregore was dismissed for a excessive boot on an opponent, however even with a numerical benefit, Atletico Mineiro had been too pedestrian to dislodge a six-man opposing backline. On a run of ten video games and not using a win, they lacked confidence time after time seeking to striker Hulk to make the distinction.
It was merely not adequate and the Rio membership punished Atletico on the different finish in brutal style.
From shut vary, Luiz Henrique struck within the thirty fifth minute with a cool end. The striker was then introduced down contained in the field by Atletico goalkeeper Everson, leading to a penalty. Alex Telles transformed the Forty fourth-minute spot kick to offer his aspect a two-goal cushion.
Atletico supervisor Gabriel Milito rang the adjustments at half-time and substitute Eduardo Vargas grew to become each the hero and anti-hero. With a header, he pulled a purpose again for his aspect. The ultimate grew to become aggressive once more with the membership from Belo Horizonte gaining momentum. Vargas, nonetheless, squandered two main alternatives that will have seen Atletico Mineiro take the match into additional time. Within the picture of his aspect, he was typically too jittery and overhaste.
Hulk’s legs drained and Atletico ran out of choices. As an alternative, Botafogo and Junior Santos had the ultimate say with a 3rd on the very finish to cap off a historic evening for the Carioca outfit.
Supervisor Arthur Jorge known as it ‘an epic victory’. It was the third consecutive time {that a} membership from Rio de Janeiro has received the continental prize following Fluminense in 2023 and Flamengo in 2022. Botafogo earned $23 million in prize cash.
Extra importantly, they claimed a ticket for the expanded 32-team Membership World Cup in the US. Botafogo may even characterize South America within the Intercontinental Cup. On December 11, they may play Pachuca of Mexico in Doha, Qatar.
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