Brazilian club Botafogo won the Copa Libertadores — South America’s equivalent of the Champions League — for the first time in their 123-year history, despite having a player sent-off in the first minute of Saturday’s final against Atletico Mineiro.
Botafogo midfielder Gregore was shown a red card just 30 seconds into the final for a high kick to the head of Fausto Vera, but goals from Luiz Henrique, Alex Telles and Junior Santos guided Artur Jorge’s side to a remarkable victory.
Luiz Henrique scored from inside the area in the 35th minute before former Manchester United defender Telles double their lead from the penalty spot a minute before the break after former Real Betis forward Henrique was fouled inside the area by Atletico keeper Everson.
Atletico’s Eduardo Vargas, a half-time substitute, scored with his first touch as he headed home from Hulk’s corner but despite 10-man Botafogo visibly tiring, Atletico could not force an equaliser — Vargas spurned a one-on-one opportunity late on to leave Atletico’s manager Gabriel Milito sunken to his knees inside the dugout.
Botafogo wrapped up their victory in dramatic circumstances with a rare counter-attack as substitute Santos scored from close-range in the seventh minute of added time.
Botafogo are hoping to win just their third Brazilian Serie A title, and their first since 1995, as they lead Palmeiras by three points at the top of the standings with two rounds of matches remaining.
Botafogo won their first ever Copa Libertadores title despite an early red card (Martín Fonseca/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
Club World Cup qualification finalised
Botafogo’s triumph ensures they are the 32nd and final team to qualify for the newly-expanded FIFA Club World Cup.
They will be one of four Brazilian clubs to participate, alongside recent Copa Libertadores winners Palmeiras, Flamengo and Fluminense.
Argentinean clubs River Plate and Boca Juniors have also qualified courtesy of their ranking.
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UEFA
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CONCACAF
- Monterrey (2021 Champions League winners)
- Seattle Sounders (2022 Champions League winners)
- Leon (2023 Champions League winners)
- Pachuca (2024 Champions League winners)
AFC
- Al Hilal (2021 Champions League winners)
- Urawa Red Diamonds (2022 Champions League winners)
- Al Ain (2024 Champions League winners)
- Ulsan HD (ranking)
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CAF
- Al Ahly (2021, 2023, 2024 Champions League winners)
- Wydad AC (2022 Champions League winners)
- Esperance de Tunis (ranking)
- Mamelodi Sundowns (ranking)
CONMEBOL
- Palmeiras (2021 Copa Libertadores winners)
- Flamengo (2022 Copa Libertadores winners)
- Fluminense (2023 Copa Libertadores winners)
- Botafo (2024 Copa Libertadores winners)
- River Plate (ranking)
- Boca Juniors (ranking)
OFC
- Auckland City (best OFC Champions League winners in four-year period)
Host nation
- Inter Miami (MLS Supporters’ Shield)
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(Top image: LUIS ROBAYO/AFP via Getty Images)
