The grand finale of the 65th Copa Libertadores promises fireworks on Saturday night, as two Brazilian powerhouses collide on South American football's biggest stage.
In a showdown marking the fourth all-Brazilian final in the past five years, Botafogo will chase history, aiming to lift their first-ever Libertadores trophy. Standing in their way is Atletico Mineiro, a club hungry for their second continental crown. The battle unfolds at the iconic Estadio Mas Monumental in Buenos Aires, Argentina - a setting worthy of this epic clash.
Atletico Mineiro earned their spot with a commanding 3-0 aggregate triumph over River Plate in the semi-finals, showcasing their defensive steel and clinical edge. Meanwhile, Botafogo made a statement of intent, dispatching Penarol with a thrilling 6-3 aggregate victory, proving they are a force to be reckoned with.
The stakes couldn’t be higher, and with the Libertadores trophy on the line, expect nothing less than drama, passion, and unrelenting action in this all-Brazilian masterpiece.
While the Copa Libertadores final between two Brazilian giants is set to electrify Buenos Aires, there’s an underlying tension that could spill over beyond the field. The choice of Argentina’s capital as the battleground for this all-Brazilian clash brings with it a shadow of past conflicts that may reignite old wounds.
The memories are still raw for Argentine fans. In November 2023, Boca Juniors supporters celebrating near the Fan Fest on Rio de Janeiro's beaches were ambushed by Fluminense fans. Chaos erupted, with videos circulating online showing the harrowing brawl. Shockingly, police in close proximity failed to intervene until several agonizing minutes later, drawing widespread criticism for their inaction.
Just weeks later, tensions escalated again during a heated World Cup qualifier between Brazil and Argentina at the Maracanã Stadium. This time, the violence was instigated by Brazilian police themselves, who were seen striking Argentine supporters with batons. The shocking scenes led to Lionel Messi and his team temporarily walking off the pitch before the match had even begun. Though eventually resumed, the game ended with Nicolás Otamendi scoring the winning goal, marking Brazil’s first-ever World Cup qualifier defeat at the Maracanã - a bitter moment etched into the rivalry.
As fans pour into Buenos Aires for the Libertadores final, the hope is that emotions have cooled and the focus remains on the beautiful game. But with lingering tensions from past altercations, the potential for off-field clashes cannot be ignored. Here's to a thrilling yet peaceful showdown in one of football’s most storied competitions.
Atletico Mineiro’s journey to the Copa Libertadores final has been nothing short of dramatic. Gabriel Milito’s side stunned Argentine giants River Plate with a dominant 3-0 home victory in the first leg, followed by a gritty 0-0 stalemate in Buenos Aires to punch their ticket to the grand finale.
However, the euphoria of reaching the final seems to have taken a toll on Mineiro, who are now battling a worrisome slump. They are winless in 10 consecutive matches across all competitions, with five defeats in that stretch, including a disheartening 3-2 loss at home to Juventude in their final tune-up before this high-stakes clash.
Injuries have also plagued Milito’s squad, with Cadu sidelined following knee surgery and Matias Zaracho still recovering from a muscle issue. Despite these setbacks, Mineiro’s core has stayed intact. Eduardo Vargas, Renzo Saravia, and Rubens have been impactful off the bench in key Libertadores moments, showing the team’s depth.
Goalkeeper Everson has been a standout, recording three consecutive clean sheets in the competition, including a heroic performance against River Plate where he denied all six shots on target. As Mineiro prepare for their biggest test yet, they’ll need that same resilience to end their drought and chase Copa glory.
ATLETICO MINEIRO predicted lineup vs BOTAFOGO: Everson (GK); Lyanco, Battaglia, Alonso; Scarpa, Vera, Franco, Arana; Hulk, Paulinho; Deyverson.
Botafogo’s road to the Copa Libertadores final has been a tale of dominance and determination. Their emphatic 5-0 triumph in the first leg against Peñarol all but secured their place in the finale, and despite a 3-1 setback in the return leg, their 6-3 aggregate victory underlined their firepower and resilience.
It’s been a dream season for Artur Jorge’s men, who sit three points clear atop the Brazilian Serie A, chasing the glory of a historic double. Unbeaten in nine of their last 10 matches across all competitions, they come into the final brimming with confidence after a commanding 3-1 victory over Palmeiras. This team thrives on momentum, and they’ll be determined to carry it all the way to Libertadores glory.
The only major setback for Botafogo is the absence of Rafael, sidelined with a knee injury until December. Mateo Ponte will also miss the final after a short-lived and ill-fated appearance in the previous round, where he received a red card just minutes after coming on as a substitute.
Artur Jorge has shown his tactical flexibility, making five changes to his starting lineup for the second leg against Peñarol. Key figures like Adryelson, Tiquinho, and Tche Tche stepped in and made an impact, while Thiago Almada delivered their lone goal in Montevideo. With their squad depth and a burning desire for continental glory, Botafogo look set to give it everything they’ve got on Saturday night.
BOTAFOGO predicted lineup vs ATLETICO MINEIRO: John (GK); Vitinho, Adryelson, Bastos, Telles; Gregore, Freitas; Savarino, Tche Tche, Almada; Santos.
PREDICTION Atletico Mineiro face an uphill battle as their late-season struggles threaten to overshadow their Copa Libertadores campaign. Winless in 10 matches across all competitions and coming off a stinging 3-2 defeat to Juventude, they’ll need nothing short of a heroic performance to stop Botafogo’s relentless charge.
While Mineiro’s defense can be stubborn and disciplined, the high-flying Botafogo thrive in high-pressure situations. With the momentum of a stellar season and the determination to secure their first Libertadores crown, Botafogo are well-equipped to crack even the toughest backline. Expect a hard-fought clash, but Botafogo’s edge in form and confidence could prove decisive on the grandest stage.
