November 29, 2024, 10:00 PM
November 29, 2024, 10:00 PM
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 for the first time into the final stage of the most prestigious club tournament in America.
The Rio de Janeiro team landed in the Argentine capital with the title of favorite and recently transformed into a soccer power thanks to John Textor’s checkbook.
The American magnate, also owner of Olympique Lyon, bought the Rio club in 2022 and in less than three years has formed one of the most valued squads in South America.
The joy could be double, since they are also one step away from becoming champions of the Brazilian League. And since 1995, the Albinegra fans have not celebrated a great title.
The winger Luiz Henrique, former Real Betis player; forward Igor Jesus, unexpected 9 of the Canarinha; playmaker Thiago Almada, world champion with Argentina in 2022; and the Venezuelan Jefferson Savarino, who will face his previous team, lead the constellation of ‘Fogão’ stars.
The only concern – not a minor one – for Portuguese coach Artur Jorge is the more than possible loss of 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.
He will possibly be replaced by Adryelson, who will occupy the center of the defense along with the Argentine Alexander Barboza.
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 was he already champion of the Libertadores in 2013. The team from Belo Horizonte, led by ‘Bruxo’ Ronaldinho Gaúcho, took the title on penalties against the Paraguayan 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 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 Argentine coach Gabriel Milito, who is seeking his first major title since he began his career on the bench.
The former Barcelona player will be able to go out with his gala eleven, once the wingers Guilherme Arana and Gustavo Scarpa, who were suffering from various discomforts, have recovered.
However, he will not be able to count on the Argentine playmaker Matías Zaracho, who is out due to a muscle injury, as a catalyst.
A hot final is expected at the Monumental based on the last confrontation between both teams, which ended with 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.
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.
According to preliminary data from Conmebol, more than 60,000 Brazilians are expected to arrive in Buenos Aires for the grand final: 40,000 from Botafogo and about 20,000 from Mineiro.
– Probable alignments:
. 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.
Referee: Argentine Facundo Tello, assisted on the wings by his compatriots Ezequiel Brailovsky and Gabriel Chade. Mauro Vigliano, also an Argentine, will be on the VAR.
Stadium: Monumental, in the city of Buenos Aires.
