Brazilian Clubs Vie for Copa Libertadores Title in Argentina Final

Atletico Mineiro’s last Copa Libertadores victory occurred in 2013. The Copa Libertadores final, featuring Atletico Mineiro against Botafogo, is scheduled for Saturday, 30 November, with a kick-off at 20:00 GMT. The match will be held at River Plate Stadium in Argentina. Coverage will be available live on iPlayer, BBC Three, and the BBC Sport app and website. Less than two weeks prior, the Brazilian national team faced boos from a partially filled stadium following a disappointing outcome that placed them fifth in South America’s World Cup qualifiers. However, the situation at club level presents a stark contrast. The Copa Libertadores final on Saturday, available for live viewing on BBC Three and BBC iPlayer, will see Botafogo from Rio compete against Atletico Mineiro from Belo Horizonte. This marks the fourth all-Brazilian final in the last five years and ensures that a Brazilian club will secure the trophy for the sixth consecutive time. Such a level of ascendancy is unparalleled in the competition’s 64-year history. Although the game is hosted in Argentina, at the stadium of Buenos Aires’ prominent club River Plate, the event is characterized as a “Brazilian party.” The disparity can be attributed to financial factors. The monetary gap between Brazilian clubs and those in other South American countries has expanded. Major Brazilian clubs possess the resources to repatriate players from Europe, including those who did not fully meet expectations or veterans seeking to conclude their playing careers. Furthermore, akin to a South American equivalent of the Premier League, Brazil is attracting talent from neighboring countries. Botafogo’s primary squad features a World Cup winner from Argentina, international players from Venezuela and Angola, and Paraguayans among its substitutes. Atletico’s roster includes players from six different South American nations. The presence of foreign coaches on the sidelines has potentially been an even more significant factor. Brazilian dominance in the Libertadores commenced with Flamengo’s transformative team in 2019, led by Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus. Subsequently, there has been a steady influx of foreign coaches into Brazilian football, particularly from Portugal and Argentina. These nations provide the coaches for Saturday’s match: Botafogo’s manager, Artur Jorge, is Portuguese, and Atletico is coached by former Argentina international defender Gabriel Milito. This season, Atletico Mineiro has recorded a loss and a draw against Botafogo in the Brazilian Seria A league. Atletico is recognized as one of the two major clubs from Belo Horizonte, alongside Cruzeiro. They secured the inaugural genuinely national Brazilian championship in 1971 and, during a later stage of Ronaldinho’s career, claimed the Libertadores title in 2013. The club boasts a substantial and fervent fanbase, as encapsulated by the saying: “if you hang a black and white striped shirt out on the line during a storm, the Atletico fan will cheer against the wind.” The club has experienced a successful period in recent years, achieving a league and cup double in 2021 and relocating to a new stadium last year. Botafogo, also known for their black and white striped kits, gained renown for contributing numerous exceptional players to Brazil’s three World Cup victories between 1958 and 1970. However, the club later experienced a significant decline. Often regarded as Rio’s fourth-strongest team, they played before sparse crowds and suffered relegation to the second division on three occasions. The club’s fortunes shifted following a new law that permitted Brazilian clubs to open their capital and acquire owners. This led to the involvement of US businessman John Textor, who also owns Lyon and holds a stake in Crystal Palace. He has financed a remarkable transformation of the club. The team, which competed in the second division in 2021, is now a contender for both the league title and the Libertadores. Hulk, 38, has not yet won the Copa Libertadores. Botafogo’s recent ascent is not solely attributable to financial investment. The scouting department has performed outstandingly, identifying players overlooked by others. Igor Jesus serves as a clear illustration. Just months ago, he was largely unknown, playing in the United Arab Emirates. He made his debut for Botafogo in July and, by October, had become Brazil’s preferred centre forward, drawing attention from Premier League clubs. Luiz Henrique, a potent left-footed