Brazilian side Botafogo made history by winning their first-ever Copa Libertadores title, defeating Atlético Mineiro 3-1 on Saturday evening.
Despite being reduced to 10 men early in the match after Gregor’s red card in the second minute for a foul on Atlético Mineiro’s Faustão Vera, Botafogo remained composed and dominated. The match, held at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires, saw a large and passionate crowd in attendance.
Botafogo took control in the first half, going into the break with a 2-0 lead. Luiz Henrique opened the scoring in the 35th minute, followed by Alex Telles, who converted a penalty in the 44th minute to double their advantage.
Atletico Mineiro reduced the deficit with a goal by veteran Chilean striker Eduardo Vargas in the 47th minute, and all attempts by veteran duo Hulk and Vargas to score an equalizer failed.
Junior Santos scored the third goal for Botafogo in the 97th minute, to secure his team’s title and deprive Atletico Mineiro of winning it for the second time in its history after its first title in 2013.
Botafogo won the title of the 65th edition of the tournament, becoming the 12th Brazilian team to win the cup of this prestigious tournament.
