December 2 – Ten-man Botafogo clinched their first-ever Copa Libertadores with a 3-1 win against Atletico Mineiro in a gripping final in Buenos Aires on Saturday.
For 88 minutes Botafogo played with 10 men, but in a strange twist of fate, Gregore’s second-minute sending-off proved to be a blessing in disguise for the Rio club. They had just 20% of possession and completed a meagre 145 passes and still came out on top.
Botafogo had a nightmare start when Gregore was dismissed for a high boot on an opponent, but even with a numerical advantage, Atletico Mineiro were too pedestrian to dislodge a six-man opposing backline. On a run of ten games without a win, they lacked confidence time after time looking to striker Hulk to make the difference.
It was simply not good enough and the Rio club punished Atletico at the other end in brutal fashion.
From close range, Luiz Henrique struck in the 35th minute with a cool finish. The striker was then brought down inside the box by Atletico goalkeeper Everson, resulting in a penalty. Alex Telles converted the 44th-minute spot kick to give his side a two-goal cushion.
Atletico manager Gabriel Milito rang the changes at half-time and substitute Eduardo Vargas became both the hero and anti-hero. With a header, he pulled a goal back for his side. The final became competitive again with the club from Belo Horizonte gaining momentum. Vargas, however, squandered two major opportunities that would have seen Atletico Mineiro take the match into extra time. In the image of his side, he was often too jittery and overhaste.
Hulk’s legs tired and Atletico ran out of options. Instead, Botafogo and Junior Santos had the final say with a third at the very end to cap off a historic night for the Carioca outfit.
Manager Arthur Jorge called it ‘an epic victory’. It was the third consecutive time that a club from Rio de Janeiro has won the continental prize following Fluminense in 2023 and Flamengo in 2022. Botafogo earned $23 million in prize money.
More importantly, they claimed a ticket for the expanded 32-team Club World Cup in the United States. Botafogo will also represent South America in the Intercontinental Cup. On December 11, they will play Pachuca of Mexico in Doha, Qatar.
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