- ‘Fogão’ is the CONMEBOL Libertadores 2024 champion after defeating Atlético Mineiro 3-1.
- The final, with the Brazilian teams, was played this Saturday, November 30 in Buenos Aires.
Botafogo won the CONMEBOL Libertadores trophy for the first time this Saturday, November 30, at the River Plate Stadium, in Buenos Aires.
Despite playing from 35 seconds with one player less due to the expulsion of gregore, the ‘Fogão’ won with goals from Luiz Henrique in the 35th minute, Alex Telles in the 44th minute (from a penalty) and Júnior Santos in the 90 + 7 ‘.
The discount for ‘Galo’ was made by Chilean striker eduardo Vargas, who came on at the start of the second half and scored with a header in the 47th minute.
With this victory,the team led by Portuguese coach Artur Jorge secured the last ticket to the 2025 Club World Cup.
This is the third team from Rio de Janeiro in the new World Cup, which will be played in the united States, since Flamengo and Fluminense also qualified, which will represent South America along with Palmeiras and Boca Juniors of Argentina and River Plate.
In addition, after this historic consecration, the second international in 120 years of history after the 1993 CONMEBOL Cup, Botafogo will be a continental representative in this year’s Intercontinental Cup, where they will face the Mexican Pachuca on 11 Christmas in Doha.
He will also have the chance to extend his record by trying to lift the CONMEBOL Recopa, which will compete with Racing Argentina, the 2024 CONMEBOL Sudamericana champion.
– The chronicle –
The game started with pure emotion and after 35 seconds Argentine referee Facundo tello Gregore was sent off for a kick in the face by Fausto Vera, which left Botafogo with almost ten men in the locker room.
From that moment on, Atlético Mineiro took possession of the ball and with territorial dominance they had three options to open the scoring.
In the 35th minute the goal came after a great combination play between Thiago Almada and Luiz Henrique on the left, which ended with a cross behind and a faulty shot that again fell to Luiz Henrique, who defined with a low shot from the front. to leave the target Everson without reaction.
The referee Facundo Tello, after reviewing the action on the VAR, awarded a penalty and when the clock showed 44 minutes, Alex telles doubled the advantage with a powerful shot to the left of Everson.
At the beginning of the second half, the coach Gabriel Milito started the table with three modifications: the entry of Mariano, Bernard and Eduardo Vargas.
That decision had a quick effect as after a magical corner kick from Hulk in the 47th minute, Chilean Eduardo Vargas’ precise header went into the top right corner.
Almost 40 thousand Botafogo supporters exploded with this third goal and ’Fogao’ was awarded for the first time in its history in the CONMEBOL Libertadores.
– Matching Numbers –
- Botafogo became the first team to take the lead and win the CONMEBOL Libertadores final with fewer players on the field than their opponent. The other teams that won specific matches with more kicks launched than the competitor scored their goals before the cards.
- botafogo is the 27th CONMEBOL libertadores champion team, the 12th in Brazil. Brazilian teams added their 24th CONMEBOL Libertadores trophy, the second country with the most Libertadores wins just behind Argentina (25). It is six consecutive anniversaries for Brazilian clubs in the Libertadores,a record,a streak that began in 2019 when the format of the finals was changed from a one-game definition.
- The three Portuguese coaches who reached the CONMEBOL Libertadores final were champions: Jorge Jesús (2019 with Flamengo) and Abel ferreira (2020 and 2021 with Palmeiras) and Artur Jorge (2024 with Botafogo).
- Júnior Santos (Botafogo) is the top scorer of CONMEBOL libertadores 2024, with 10 goals. The goal that closed the scoring was his first in the competition since the group stage, when he scored against LDU Quito at the beginning of May.
- Luiz Henrique (botafogo) is the first footballer to score a goal and cause a penalty in a CONMEBOL Libertadores final since Carlos Sánchez with River Plate in the second leg in 2015 against Tigres.
- It was the first time a team went into half-time of a CONMEBOL Libertadores singles final with a two-goal lead. In the 21st century,it only happened on two other occasions: the first leg between LDU Quito and Fluminense in 2008 (4-1) and the second leg between Lanús and Grêmio in 2017 (0-2).
- CONMEBOL Libertadores and CONMEBOL Sudamericana finals ended with the same score (3-1), with the same succession (1-0, 2-0, 2-1, 3-1), with the last goal scored in the match. extra time of the second half by a player who came in from the bench and with teams from Belo Horizonte (Atlético Mineiro and Cruzeiro) winning.
- This is the second time that the new CONMEBOL Libertadores Champions have been paired in consecutive editions of the Cup in the 21st century, along with the 2012-2014 period in which Corinthians, atlético Mineiro and San Lorenzo were crowned.
- Hulk, from Atlético mineiro, is the first footballer to provide an assist in the quarter-finals, semi-finals and finals of the same edition of CONMEBOL Libertadores since Opta recorded this data (2013).
- Eduardo Vargas is the fourth footballer to score in both CONMEBOL Sudamericana (2011) and CONMEBOL Libertadores (2024) finals, along with Orlando Berrío (Sudamericana 2014 and Libertadores 2016), Carlos Tevez (Libertadores 2003 and Rodioamericana Sudigores) 2005 and Libertadores 2007). Chile had the longest period of time between the two goals.
- Eduardo Vargas’ goal was the second fastest by a representative in CONMEBOL Libertadores 2024 (1 minute and 23 seconds after going in), surpassing Álvaro Quiroga with The Strongest against Huachipato (22 seconds).
- Altlético Mineiro had more than 80% possession against Botafogo in the final.In this edition of CONMEBOL libertadores, Galo averaged 65% possession and outscored his rival in the indicator in 11 of the 13 matches.
- Bernard entered the second half and returned to play in the CONMEBOL Libertadores final after 11 years: the previous one was also with Atlético Mineiro, in 2013, as a starter in the second leg against Olimpia when Galo won 2- 0 and it stayed. with Eternal Glory.
- Since 2013, when Opta recorded possession in the CONMEBOL Libertadores, Botafogo’s figure today (20.11%) was the eighth lowest of any team in a match in any stage (and the only one among eight of which won).
CONMEBOL.com / AFP / EFE / OPTA
What factors contributed to Botafogo’s success in the CONMEBOL Libertadores final against Atlético Mineiro?
Title: A Historic victory for ‘Fogão’: an Interview with Football Expert Dr. Ricardo Almeida
Editor (Time.news): Welcome, Dr. Almeida! We’re thrilled to have you here to discuss the sensational victory of Botafogo in the CONMEBOL Libertadores final against Atlético Mineiro. What a match it was! How do you assess Botafogo’s performance, especially considering they played with ten men for most of the game?
Dr. Ricardo Almeida: Thank you for having me! What an remarkable match indeed.Botafogo’s performance is a testament to their determination and strategy. Playing with one less player after the expulsion of Gregore in the first minute could have been devastating for most teams, but Botafogo showed remarkable resilience. They managed to absorb the pressure from Atlético Mineiro while still creating scoring opportunities.
Editor: Absolutely! The early red card is frequently enough seen as a momentum killer, yet Botafogo not only survived but thrived. Can you elaborate on the importance of the goals scored by Luiz Henrique and Alex Telles?
Dr. Almeida: Certainly! Luiz Henrique’s goal was pivotal; it lifted the team’s spirits when they were down to ten men. It demonstrated that they could still threaten with counter-attacks and stay in the game. Alex Telles’ penalty right before half-time was crucial too. Scoring just before the break allowed Botafogo to regain focus and confidence.it shifted the momentum, giving them a buffer and the ability to play strategically in the second half.
Editor: That increased lead set the tone for the second half,where Eduardo Vargas pulled one back for ‘Galo’. What did you think of Atlético’s response after the goal?
Dr. Almeida: Atlético’s response was immediate and energetic, featuring swift substitutions that brought fresh legs to the field. Vargas’s goal exemplified their capability to capitalize on set pieces. Though, even with this goal, Atlético struggled to find the rhythm needed to break Botafogo’s defense. The timely introduction of Hulk and the impact of Vargas underscored their attacking potential, but the consistency in Botafogo’s defensive organization ultimately held firm.
Editor: Following this historic win, botafogo has secured a spot in the 2025 Club World Cup. How significant is this for the club and Brazilian football as a whole?
Dr. Almeida: It’s monumental! botafogo’s victory marks the first Libertadores title in their history,adding to Brazil’s rich football legacy. Alongside Flamengo and Fluminense in the upcoming Club World Cup, they represent the strength of brazilian football on a global stage. This success will boost the club’s profile and can catalyze a new generation of players and fans. Winning international titles elevates a club’s stature and can considerably impact sponsorship and financial opportunities.
Editor: And let’s not forget the upcoming Intercontinental Cup against Pachuca! What are your thoughts on their chances there?
dr. Almeida: This match will be another challenge, but the momentum from this Libertadores win will serve as valuable motivation. Botafogo has proven they can adapt and triumph under pressure,and facing an opponent like Pachuca provides an prospect to showcase their growth and resilience. I’d say they stand a solid chance,especially if they can maintain the defensive discipline they demonstrated in the Libertadores final.
Editor: A historic year for Botafogo indeed! Before we wrap up, what do you think this victory teaches clubs competing in such high-stakes tournaments?
Dr. Almeida: This victory teaches us that teamwork, strategic planning, and mental fortitude can overcome adverse situations. It also emphasizes the value of experience and adaptability in high-pressure settings.Clubs must prepare not just physically, but mentally for the unpredictability of knockout football.
Editor: Thank you,Dr. Almeida,for your insights on Botafogo’s remarkable journey in the Libertadores. It’s an exciting time for both the club and Brazilian football!
Dr. Almeida: Thank you for having me! let’s hope this victory inspires more thrilling moments in South American football.