It was known that a Brazilian team would win the Copa Libertadores for the sixth consecutive time. But Gabi Milito, That defender who triumphed in Barcelona and Zaragoza, aspired to win his first title as a coach in his country, at the Monumental in Buenos Aires. Finally, glory escaped the now Argentine coach.
Botafogo, the Rio club where the legendary played Garrincha and property of the American tycoon John Textor Since 2022, it won the first Copa Libertadores in its history, coinciding with its 120th anniversary, after defeating Atlético Mineiro in the final (1-3).
The fastest red in a final
And the final started in the worst way for Botafogo. Barely 29 seconds had passed when, in a split ball, Gregory made a brutal tackle at head height Fausto Verawhich caused an injury. After consulting the VAR, the Argentine Facundo Tello He was shown a straight red card after 64 seconds, the fastest expulsion in a Libertadores final.
Botafogo, on the verge of winning the Brasileirao, started as favorites, but the expulsion conditioned the match. Even so, Atlético Mineiro did not know how to take advantage of its numerical superiority and 79 percent possession in the first half.
Botafogo, in inferiority, surprises with two goals
Except for a couple distant shots of the very veteran Hulk (38 years old), Galo abused passes through the center, played at a slow pace and without depth on the wings, making it easier for the rival to retreat.
Botafogo, well organized, gave up the ball, but when they had the opportunity to leave the cave they showed maximum effectiveness: two shots, two goals. On the first occasion, the former Betic Luiz Henrique received the left, cut to Lyanco and delayed Marlon Freitas, whose shot, rejected by the defense, returned to Luiz Henrique, who shot Everson low (35′).
Monumental surprise in the Monumental that was even greater in the 44th minute when Luiz Henrique, clever, caused a penalty when he was knocked down by Everson in an indecision between the goal and Guilherme Arana. The former Sevilla player Alex Telles converted it.
Milito introduces changes and the goal arrives immediately
at break Gabi Milito, As some complained after the expulsion, he introduced three changes, and the effect was immediate. One of the new entrants, the former Valencian player Eduardo Vargasheaded, alone, into the net a corner taken by hulk in the first minute of the second. 1-2, with goals from three former LaLiga players.
Atlético Mineiro’s dominance was more overwhelming, if possible, touching 80% possession, the match was already a monologue, with Botafogo dedicated exclusively to defending its advantage. El Galo insisted but his game was imprecise and he lacked success.
Already in the 87th minute, Vargas missed a very clear opportunity to tie in a perfect long pass from Mariano. The Chilean read it wonderfully but his touch on the ball was too high by millimeters.
The tip, in the discount
On the other hand, Botafogo completed their feat in the last minute of added time in a fortunate action. Junior Santos He entered the baseline, crossed looking for a teammate’s shot, but the ball was returned to him by Junior Santos when the defender cut off his pass. Alan Franco and sentenced the final to an empty goal, becoming the top scorer of the competition with 10 goals.
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Artur Jorge cried with emotion at the final whistle. The Portuguese coach had just led Botafogo to win their first Libertadores. TO Gabi Milito Glory escaped him and Atlético Mineiro could not repeat the success of 2013.
