1-3: Glory escapes Gabi Milito and Botafogo wins its first Copa Libertadores

It is known that a Brazilian team will win the Copa Libertadores for the sixth time in a row. But Gabi Milito, That defender who won in Barcelona and Zaragoza, sought to win his first title as a coach in his country, in the Monumental in Buenos Aires. Finally, glory escaped the now Argentine coach.

Botafogo, the Rio club where the legend played Garrincha and property of the American tycoon John Textor From 2022, it won the first Copa Libertadores in its history, coinciding with its 120th anniversary, after defeating Atlético Mineiro in the final (1-3).

The fastest red in a final

And the final started in the worst way for Botafogo. Almost 29 seconds had passed when, on a split ball, Gregory make a brutal overhead tackle Fausto Verawhich caused damage. After consulting VAR, the Argentine Facundo Tello He was shown a straight red card after 64 seconds, the fastest dismissal in a Libertadores final.

Botafogo, on the verge of winning the Brasileirao, started as favourites, but relegation conditioned the match. However, Atlético Mineiro did not know how to take advantage of its numerical superiority and 79 percent possession in the first half.

Botafogo, at the bottom, surprises with two goals

Except for a few long shots of the very veteran Hulk (38 years old), The abused Galo moved through the middle, played at a slow pace and lacked depth on the wings, making it easier for the opposition to drop back.

Botafogo, well organized, gave up the ball, but when they had the chance to leave the cave they showed maximum effectiveness: two shots, two goals. for the first time, the former Betic Luiz Henrique received the left, cut to Lyanco and delayed Marlon Freitas that the shot, denied by the defense, returned to Luis Henrique who shot Everson low (35′).

Monumental surprise in Monumental even bigger in the 44th minute Luiz Henrique, wise, inflicted punishment when he was knocked down by Everson in a quandary between purpose and Guilherme Arana. The former Sevilla player Alex Telles changed it.

Milito introduced the changes and the goal came immediately

at break Gabi Milito, As some complained after the ouster, he introduced three changes, and the effect was immediate. One of the new arrivals, the former Valencia player Eduardo Vargasheaded, alone, into the net a corner taken by big thing in the first minute of the second. 1-2, with goals from three former LaLiga players.

The dominance of Atlético Mineiro is more overwhelming, if possible, reaching 80% possession, the match is already a monologue, with Botafogo exclusively focused on defending its advantage. El Galo insists but his game is not right and he lacks success.

It’s the 87th minute, Vargas missed a very clear opportunity to tie in a perfect long pass from Mariano. The Chilean read it admirably but his grip on the ball was a millimeter too high.

The tip, at the discount

On the other hand, Botafogo completed their victory in the last minute of extra time in a lucky move. Junior Santos He entered the baseline, crossed to look for a teammate’s shot, but the ball was returned to him by Junior Santos when the defender intercepted his pass. Alan Franco and sentenced the final to an empty goal, becoming the competition’s top scorer with 10 goals.

Artur Jorge cried with emotion at the final whistle. The Portuguese coach just led Botafogo to win their first Libertadores. SA Gabi Milito Glory eluded him and Atlético Mineiro could not repeat the 2013 success.