Botafogo Script Football History As Brazilian Club Reaches First Ever Copa Libertadores Final

Brazilian club Botafogo have just scripted club history as the Brazilian side for the first time ever have reached the final of the prestigious Copa Libertadores after qualifying against Uruguay side Penarol. Botafogo reached the final in some style as they lost their match to Penarol by a score of 3-1 but still went through on aggregate as they had won the first leg of the match by a score of 5-0. They will be playing Atletico Minero in the final who reached their after defeating River Plate in the semi final. 

Botafogo Reach First Ever Copa Libertadores Final

Brazil’s Botafogo advanced to its first Copa Libertadores final on Wednesday despite a 3-1 loss at Uruguay’s Penarol. The Rio de Janeiro side had won the first leg of its semifinal 5-0.

Botafogo’s rival in the Nov. 30 decider in Buenos Aires will be fellow Brazilian side Atletico Mineiro, which reached the final after a 0-0 draw at Argentina’s River Plate on Tuesday and after a 3-0 win in the first leg.

Botafogo rested many of its starters because of the big advantage, including national team strikers Luiz Henrique and Igor Jesus.

Jaime Báez scored Penarol’s first two goals. The first came from long distance in the 31st minute and the second in the 66th from the edge of the box. By then, the hosts were one man down due to an unusual red card.

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Goalkeeper Washington Aguerre was sent off during the break after intentionally stepping on the foot of Botafogo goalie John. Botafogo lost a player in the 69th minute when Mateo Ponte received his second yellow only seconds after he got his first. 

World Cup champion Thiago Almada was brought in by Botafogo in the second half and scored for the visiting team from close range in the 88th minute. One minute later, also from close range, Penarol’s Facundo Batista netted the third goal for the Uruguayan team. 

Brazilian Dominance On The Copa Libertadores 

Brazilian teams have won the tournament for the past five years. The final will be played at the Monumental de Nunez Stadium in Buenos Aires. 

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Atletico’s win on Tuesday also affected the race to be the last South American qualifier for the 2025 Club World Cup, as it eliminated Olimpia of Paraguay from contention.