Botafogo were crowned South American champions for the first time in their history.
In the 65th final of the Copa Libertadores held at the “Monumental” in Buenos Aires, Arthur Jorge’s team won 3-1 against Bernard and Gustavo Scarpa’s Atlético Mineiro.
The heavy favorites to win Brazil’s top league title with tonight’s victory secured their place in the Intercontinental Cup, the 2025 Club World Cup, the 2025 Recopa Sudamericana and the next edition of the Copa Libertadores.
After winning the trophy in 2013, Atlético Mineiro were unable to add another to their tally, despite being a man up from the 2nd minute after Gregore was sent off with a straight red. Though, the group from Rio de Janeiro managed to take a 2-0 lead, with Luis Enrique (35′) and Teguez (penalty 44′) in the first 45 minutes.
Atlético coach Milito removed Scarpa from the game in the 46th minute, throwing former panathinaikos player Bernard Duarte into the game.Ex-olympiacos Gustavo Scarpa’s representative, Eduardo Vargas, made it 2-1 in the 47th minute, giving hope once again to the Belo horizonte side, who had several chances to equalise, but failed to do so.
So, in stoppage time, Junior santos “wrote” the 3-1, sealing the victory and winning the trophy for Botafogo.
- How will Botafogo’s Copa Libertadores victory influence the future of Brazilian football clubs in international competitions?
interview: Botafogo’s Historic Copa Libertadores Victory with Expert Analyst Roberta Silva
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Roberta. Botafogo has just made history by winning the Copa Libertadores for the first time. What does this victory mean for the club and Brazilian football in general?
Roberta Silva: Thank you for having me. This victory is monumental not just for Botafogo but also for Brazilian football. Winning the Copa Libertadores elevates the club’s status both nationally and internationally. It’s a testament to their growth and competitiveness in South American football. It also adds to the prestige of Brazil in the region, showcasing the strength of our domestic leagues.
Time.news Editor: Botafogo defeated Atlético Mineiro 3-1 in the final, but Atlético was the favorite. How did Botafogo manage to pull off this upset?
Roberta Silva: Botafogo’s tactical execution was key. even though Atlético started with the numerical advantage after Gregore’s red card, Botafogo remained disciplined and took advantage of their opportunities. They capitalized on set pieces and their forwards, Luis Enrique and Teguez, performed exceptionally well. Their ability to maintain composure under pressure led them to a 2-0 lead, and even when Atlético reduced the deficit to 2-1, they didn’t buckle, sealing the game with junior Santos’ stoppage-time goal.
Time.news Editor: This victory secures Botafogo a place in multiple future tournaments like the Intercontinental Cup and the 2025 Recopa Sudamericana. What does this exposure mean for the club’s prospects?
Roberta Silva: Competing on international stages is paramount for a club. It not only provides financial benefits through broadcasting rights and sponsorship deals but also enhances player recruitment and brand value. Successfully navigating these competitions can attract top talents and solidify Botafogo’s place among South America’s elite clubs. Additionally, it further engages their fanbase, fostering a sense of pride and loyalty.
Time.news Editor: looking ahead, what practical advice can you offer to clubs aiming to achieve similar success in continental competitions?
Roberta silva: Clubs should focus on building a robust youth academy to develop local talent while also strategically investing in experienced players who can mentor younger ones. Additionally, employing innovative tactics and ensuring strong physical and mental planning is crucial. Lastly, strong management and a united fan base are essential — it can considerably impact player morale and performance in high-stake matches.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Roberta, for your insights. Botafogo’s triumph is certainly a story to watch going forward.
Roberta Silva: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to see what the future holds for Botafogo and the impact of this historic win on Brazilian football.