Botafogo Wins The Copa Libertadores For The First Time In Its History

Luis Henrique, wearing jersey number 07, joyfully celebrates with fellow forward Igor Jesus, number 99, after netting his team's opening goal in the Copa Libertadores final. The match took place between Brazilian clubs Atletico Mineiro and Botafogo at the Mas Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires on November 30, 2024. (Photo by ALEJANDRO PAGNI / AFP) (Photo by ALEJANDRO PAGNI/AFP via Getty Images)

Botafogo clinched their first Copa Libertadores title in Buenos Aires this Saturday, triumphing over Atlético Mineiro with a score of 3-1.

Just two minutes into the match, Gregore, a midfielder for Botafogo, was shown a red card. The 30-year-old Brazilian was dismissed after his foot hit an opponent in the head. The decision seemed a bit severe, considering that although the impact was bad, the Mineiro player had lowered his head rapidly and significantly in an effort to gain possession of the ball.

Argentine referee Facundo Tello issued a red card to Gregore, midfielder for Botafogo wearing jersey number 26, during the Copa Libertadores final match between Brazilian clubs Atletico Mineiro and Botafogo. This event took place at the Mas Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires on November 30, 2024. (Photo by JUAN MABROMATA / AFP) (Photo by JUAN MABROMATA/AFP via Getty Images)

With Botafogo being the clear favorite ahead of the match, the red card helped to level the playing field. In the early moments of the game, Hulk made a few long-distance attempts for Mineiro, but they weren't able to take control over the team from Rio de Janeiro.

At the 30-minute mark, the referee issued a yellow card to Rodrigo Battaglia from Atlético Mineiro for tripping Igor Jesus during a counterattack. This decision seemed a bit excessive and might have been the referee's way of trying to balance the game.

After 35 minutes, the first goal of the match was scored by Botafogo, despite them being down to ten players. Following a chaotic situation during a corner kick, the ball reached Luiz Henrique at the back post, and he calmly finished it. The Botafogo supporters behind the goal erupted in celebration.

Just under ten minutes later, the score was 2-0. Luis Henrique worked his magic once more, finding a gap between the goalkeeper and a defender to slyly poke the ball away before getting knocked down by the keeper. Although the referee didn't see the foul at first, a VAR review confirmed it and a penalty was given, which Alex Telles confidently converted.

BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA - NOVEMBER 30: Alex Telles from Botafogo successfully converted a penalty to secure the second goal for his team during the Copa CONMEBOL Libertadores 2024 Final, where Atletico Mineiro faced off against Botafogo at the Estadio Más Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti on November 30, 2024. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)

After six minutes of stoppage time, the first half concluded with a score of 2-0. Although Botafogo was playing with one fewer player, they were in a strong position. Atlético Mineiro, coming into this final without a victory in their last ten matches, appeared to be a team low on confidence. In contrast, Botafogo and their supporters could be forgiven for believing that this would be the year their name would be etched on the trophy.

However, Eduardo Vargas, one of the three players brought on during halftime, quickly clawed one back for ‘O Galo’ just two minutes into the second half. This reignited the match, and once again, the energy in the stadium changed dramatically.

As the match went on, Atlético Mineiro gradually forced Botafogo to retreat into their own defensive zone. The team in front began to celebrate even the simplest clearances as if they were scoring goals at the other end. It was a tough spot for the team with just ten players.

Goalkeeper John Victor, wearing jersey number 12 for Botafogo, reaches for the ball while Atletico Mineiro's forward Hulk, who wears number 7, tries to get in his way. This took place during the Copa Libertadores final, where Brazilian teams Botafogo and Atletico Mineiro faced off at the Mas Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires on November 30, 2024. (Photo by JUAN MABROMATA / AFP via Getty Images)

In the second half, the action remained mostly in Botafogo's half of the field, yet Atlético Mineiro struggled to create any significant scoring opportunities. As time passed, the confidence of the Botafogo fans increased, and their cheers became more vibrant and enthusiastic.

Following seven minutes of added time in the second half, the referee blew the final whistle. Not only did Botafogo maintain their advantage, but they also managed to score again on a counterattack while ‘O Galo’ pushed for an equalizer. That was the finishing touch and sealed the victory. Botafogo celebrated their first-ever continental championship title.