Botafogo claimed their first-ever Copa Libertadores with a 3-1 win over Atlético Mineiro.
Scorers: Vargas 47′; Luiz Henrique 35′, Telles (PEN) 44′, Júnior Santos 90+7′
Sent off: Gregore
The all-Brazilian clash got off to a lively start as Artur Jorge’s were reduced to 10 men just 31 seconds in as Gregore was sent off for a high lunge on Fausto Vera.
But the Estrela Solitária went on to break the deadlock when Luiz Henrique produced a sweeping finish before going on to win a penalty later in the half.
Everson’s foul on the winger was sent to a VAR review before Alex Telles asserted their dominance by comfortably dispatching from the spot shortly before the interval.
Mineiro struck back early in the second half as Eduardo Vargas met Hulk’s corner from the left with a header but the 2013 winners could not snatch an equaliser.
Deep in added time, substitute Júnior Santos assured victory for Artur Jorge’s side by sliding home to spark scenes of delirium at Buenos Aires’ Estadio Monumental.
Botafogo hold a three-point lead in the Brasileirão heading into their final two games of the 2024 campaign.
📸 Buda Mendes – 2024 Getty Images