Atlético Mineiro and Botafogo will play this Saturday for the 2024 Copa Libertadores title at the imposing Monumental in Buenos Aires, in a final that is expected to be tense after the last clash between these two great Brazilian teams.
With more than a hundred years of history behind it, Botafogo steps into the final stage for the first time of the most prestigious club tournament in America.
Botafogo, favorite
The Rio de Janeiro team landed in the Argentine capital with the favorite vitola and recently transformed into a football power thanks to the checkbook of John Textor.
The American tycoon, also owner of Olympique Lyon, he bought the carioca club in 2022 and in less than three years he has formed one of the most valued squads in South America.
Without a major title since 1995 but also league leader
The joy could be double, since they are also one step away from becoming champions of the Brazilian League. And it is that Since 1995, the Albinegra fans have not celebrated a great title.
The extreme Luiz Henrique, former Real Betis player; the forward Igor Jesus, unexpected 9 from Canarinha; the midfielder Thiago Almada, world champion with Argentina in 2022; and the Venezuelan Jefferson Savarino who will face precisely his previous team, lead the constellation of ‘Fogão’ stars.
The only concern – not a minor one – of the Portuguese coach Artur Jorge It is the most possible low of the Angolan defender Bastos. The center back did not participate in training this Friday and is a serious doubt due to an injury to the back of his thigh.
It will possibly replace you Adryelson, who will occupy the center of the defense along with the Argentine Alexander Barboza.
El Mineiro, covered
Mineiro is undercover and has put all the pressure on Botafogo’s shoulders, despite having more experience in this type of duel.
Not in vain He was already champion of the Libertadores in 2013. The Belo Horizonte team, led by ‘Bruxo’ Ronaldinho Gaúchotook the title on penalties against Paraguayan team Olimpia.
So, the final was a two-legged match. This time it will be defined in 90 minutes and, if it ends in a tie, there will be extra time and penalties.
The difficult road to the final
The road to reaching the final was not easy for the ‘Galos’. In the crossroads they had to get off San Lorenzo, Fluminense, champion in 2023, and River Plate.
All under the orders of the Argentine coach Gabriel Milito, who seeks his first big title since he began his career on the bench.
Zaracho, out of MIlito
The former Barcelona player will be able to go out with his gala eleven, once he has recovered the wingers Guilherme Arana and Gustavo Scarpa, who suffered various discomforts.
However, he will not be able to count on the Argentine playmaker as a catalyst. Matias Zarachoout due to a muscle injury.
Tangana in recent precedent
A hot final is expected at the Monumental based on the last confrontation between both teams, which ended with 0-0 and three sent off and endless provocations. That confrontation was recent, ten days ago, in the Brazilian League, and ended in a brawl.
For the moment, calm reigns between both fans in Buenos Aires. Since the beginning of the week, thousands of Brazilians have turned the city black and white.
60,000 Brazilians
Each of the fans chose different meeting points, mainly in the exclusive area of Puerto Madero or the neighborhoods of Palermo, Recoleta and Núñez, where the Monumental is located.
Although there is a common denominator between both fans: the pilgrimage to traditional Argentine grills, many of which have been overflowing despite their high prices.
Read also
According to preliminary data from Conmebol, it is expected that more than 60,000 Brazilians arrive in Buenos Aires for the grand finale: 40,000 from Botafogo and about 20,000 from Mineiro.
Probable lineups
Monumental of Buenos Aires, 9:00 p.m. in Spain (Movistar Plus+)
Atlético Mineiro: Everson; Lyanco, Rodrigo Battaglia, Júnior Alonso; Gustavo Scarpa, Fausto Vera, Alan Franco, Guilherme Arana; Paulinho, Hulk and Deyverson.
Coach: Gabriel Milito
Botafogo: John Victor, Vitinho, Adryelson, Alexander Barboza, Alex Telles; Marlon Freitas, Gregore, Thiago Almada; Jefferson Savarino, Luiz Henrique and Igor Jesus
Coach: Artur Jorge
Referee: the Argentine Facundo Tello, helped on the wings by his compatriots Ezequiel Brailovsky and Gabriel Chade. The Argentine Mauro Vigliano will also be on the VAR
