The battle for eternal glory is drawing near. A decisive match that promises to be thrilling is on the horizon, between Botafogo and Atlético Mineiro. This season, both teams have faced tough challenges and earned their place in the 2024 CONMEBOL Libertadores Final at the Estadio Más Monumental.
Previous matches
Botafogo
For Botafogo, this is no ordinary year. It marks a historic milestone, as it is the first time in their long history that they have reached this stage of the continent’s premier club competition.
The team led by Argentine Thiago Almada faced a tough test to reach the quarter-finals, taking on none other than one of the top favourites to win the title. In the round of 16, they knocked out Palmeiras, away from home no less, with an aggregate score of 4-3.
In the next round, they faced none other than São Paulo, but Botafogo prevailed on penalties, despite Luis Zubeldía’s tactical attempts to shift the balance of play and the repeated crosses aimed at Jonathan Calleri. Matheus Martins converted the final penalty, securing a direct passage to the semi-finals.
A path littered with the continent’s giants, a list to which Peñarol – the historic Uruguayan side and five-time champions – was added; in the semi-final clash, they put up a real fight and left a positive impression, demonstrating all the grit and passion for which they are known. Let us recall that in the first leg the result was a crushing 5-0 victory for Botafogo, and against all odds, in the return leg to seal their place in the next round, Peñarol put in an outstanding performance and, although it was not enough to overturn the tie, won 3-1.
Atlético Mineiro
For their part, Atlético Mineiro have demonstrated their strength throughout their campaign. Gabriel Milito’s side have smoothed their path, defeating major rivals in their quest for a fifth international title.
In the Round of 16, they saw off San Lorenzo following a draw and a home win in the decider. The fact is, their home ground suits them down to the ground and that’s where they really come into their own. Proof of this came in the next round, when Fluminense stood in their way. It was 0–1 at the Maracanã Stadium and 2–1 in the quarter-final decider, when they sealed their place in the next round at the Arena MRV.
Speaking of toppling giants, Atlético Mineiro gave a spectacular demonstration of rising to the occasion when they prevailed in a surprise tie against River Plate. And they did so without any drama. Marcelo Gallardo’s side suffered a heavy blow at the start of the tie, losing 3-0, and were unable to recover from it. A goalless draw in the return leg, played at the Estadio Más Monumental, was enough to seal their place in the final.
On 30 November, in the Buenos Aires neighbourhood of Núñez, the stands are expected to be packed with passionate fans gathering for a thrilling event. With the CONMEBOL Libertadores final just around the corner, excitement and anticipation are at their peak, as thousands of fans will arrive in the South American capital to enjoy not only a thrilling night, but also the days leading up to it, where they will be able to experience the true South American football festival, which will crown a Brazilian team as the new champions.
