South American football fans are in for a treat this Saturday (30 November) as two Brazilian powerhouses, Atletico Mineiro and Botafogo, clash in the final of the Copa Libertadores, the continent’s most prestigious club football competition. This year’s final continues a dominant era for Brazilian clubs, marking the sixth consecutive year that the coveted trophy will be lifted by a team from Brazil. Fluminense claimed glory in 2023, Flamengo triumphed in 2019 and 2022, while Palmeiras made history with back-to-back wins in 2020 and 2021. Now, Atletico Mineiro and Botafogo will battle to see who adds their name to this illustrious list.
Atletico Mineiro, hailing from Belo Horizonte, are no strangers to Libertadores success. Their last triumph came in 2013, and they enter this final with a squad brimming with talent and experience. Among their stars are three Tokyo 2020 Olympic gold medallists, including Paulinho, who has been pivotal to their campaign with seven goals in the tournament. Nicknamed “El Galo” (The Roosters), Mineiro will be aiming to crown an impressive season with their second Libertadores title.
For Botafogo, this final represents both history and opportunity. Despite being one of Rio de Janeiro’s most celebrated clubs, they remain the only top team from the city never to have lifted the Copa Libertadores trophy. Their hopes rest heavily on the shoulders of Junior Santos, the tournament’s top scorer with nine goals in ten games, whose clinical finishing has powered their run to the final. Adding further star power is FIFA World Cup winner Thiago Almada, whose creativity and composure could prove decisive on the biggest stage. With a rich mix of flair, hunger, and ambition, Botafogo are determined to etch their name onto the Libertadores trophy for the very first time.
As two of Brazil’s finest prepare to face off at the iconic Maracanã Stadium, the stakes could not be higher. This isn’t just a match for a trophy; it’s a battle for legacy, a showcase of Brazilian football’s supremacy, and a thrilling conclusion to one of South America’s most competitive tournaments in recent memory.
Copa Libertadores – what you need to know
Team News
Atletico Mineiro
Atlético Mineiro come into the final with a fully fit squad, a luxury that manager Gabriel Milito will hope pays dividends in a game of this magnitude. Despite their current struggles—enduring a ten-match winless streak across all competitions—the club has focused intensely on the Copa Libertadores. Milito’s decision to rest key players in their domestic fixtures underlines the priority placed on reclaiming continental glory.
Paulinho, who has scored seven goals in the competition, is primed to lead the line, while Hulk brings a wealth of experience and a knack for delivering in high-pressure situations. Defensively, veteran Junior Alonso will marshal the backline in what promises to be a stern test against Botafogo’s dynamic attack. Atlético’s domestic campaign may have been disappointing, but their dominance over River Plate in the semifinals serves as a reminder of their capability on the big stage.
Botafogo
Botafogo’s remarkable season has placed them at the pinnacle of South American football. Sitting atop the Brazilian league with two games remaining, their focus now shifts to claiming their first-ever Copa Libertadores title. However, their preparations for the final took a hit with the injury to Bastos, a linchpin in their defence who has started every game in the competition. His absence will be keenly felt, putting pressure on Adryelson and Barboza to step up against a potent Atlético attack.
In midfield, Thiago Almada’s creativity and vision have been pivotal throughout their campaign. Combined with the attacking flair of Igor Jesus and Jefferson Savarino, Botafogo boast one of the most dangerous frontlines in South America. With history within reach, the Rio-based club must balance their high-octane attacking style with composure under the weight of the occasion.
Key Players
Atletico Mineiro – Paulinho
Paulinho has been Atlético Mineiro’s talisman throughout their Copa Libertadores run, and the final will likely hinge on his ability to deliver once more. With seven goals in the tournament, the Tokyo 2020 Olympic gold medallist has proven to be a clinical finisher and a tireless worker off the ball. Paulinho’s knack for finding space in tight areas, coupled with his intelligent movement, makes him a nightmare for defenders.
Beyond his scoring exploits, his ability to link up with Hulk and Deyverson adds an extra dimension to Atlético’s attack. Against a Botafogo defence missing its anchor in Bastos, Paulinho will look to exploit any vulnerabilities. If he finds his rhythm early, Atlético Mineiro’s chances of a second Copa Libertadores crown will soar.
Botafogo – Junior Santos
Junior Santos enters the final as the Copa Libertadores’ top scorer, with nine goals in just ten matches, and his influence on Botafogo’s historic campaign cannot be overstated. The striker’s blend of physicality, pace, and precision in front of goal has made him a nightmare for defenders across the continent. Whether latching onto crosses or turning defenders with his quick feet, Santos thrives in high-pressure moments.
His goals were instrumental in dismantling Peñarol in the semifinals, and Botafogo will need him at his clinical best to break down Atlético Mineiro’s experienced defence. Beyond his goal-scoring prowess, Santos’s ability to hold up play allows teammates like Almada and Henrique to shine. In Botafogo’s biggest game in history, all eyes will be on Santos to deliver the defining moments that could secure their maiden Copa Libertadores title.
Key Statistics
Atletico Mineiro: In the Copa Libertadores knockout phase, Atletico Mineiro have been defensively solid, conceding only two goals and keeping three consecutive clean sheets. However, they are currently winless in their last eight matches across all competitions and have not beaten a Brazilian opponent in the Copa Libertadores knockout stage since 2013.
Botafogo: Botafogo are unbeaten in their last five matches across all competitions, conceding just two goals in that span. They have not lost to a Brazilian side in 19 consecutive competitive fixtures and have only conceded once in their last five meetings against Atletico Mineiro.
By Nicky Helfgott – NickyHelfgott1 on X (Twitter)
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