Botafogo and Atlético-MG are set to clash in the Libertadores final. The Glorioso will compete in its first-ever final, while Galo makes its second appearance in this historic match.
Join us to follow Botafogo and Galo’s journeys to the grand final, set for November 30th in Buenos Aires at Monumental de Nuñez Stadium.
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Index
Atlético-MG’s Journey
Atlético-MG finished 3rd in the 2023 Brasileirão, earning a direct qualification for the 2024 Libertadores.
In Group G, they faced Peñarol, Rosario Central, and Caracas, finishing in first place with 15 points—the second-best record of the group stage, trailing only River Plate.
In the first match, Galo triumphed over Caracas 4-1 in Venezuela, with Paulinho scoring twice. They went on to beat Rosario Central and Peñarol with 2-1 and 3-2 wins, respectively.
In the return matches, Galo defeated Rosario Central away, lost to Peñarol away, and crushed Caracas at Arena MRV.
Photo: Bruno Sousa
In the Round of 16, Galo faced San Lorenzo. After a 1-1 draw in Argentina, Galo played a controlled match at home, winning with a goal by Battaglia.
In the quarterfinals, they ousted the defending champion, Fluminense. In the first leg, Galo was defeated 2-1 at the Maracanã, conceding a goal in the final minutes. Back at Arena MRV, Galo delivered an outstanding performance, dominating completely and winning 2-0, with both goals scored by Deyverson.
In the semifinals, River Plate, who had the chance to reach the final at their own stadium, was taken down by Atlético-MG. In a showdown between teams with the best group-stage records, Galo played a brilliant first leg, pressuring their opponent and scoring in the 22nd minute after Deyverson dribbled past goalkeeper Armani and slotted it into the net.
In the second half, Deyverson scored again, added an assist, and became the match’s standout. Atlético won 3-0 at Arena MRV, building a solid advantage. In the second leg, Galo played a disciplined game, ending with a 0-0 draw at River’s Monumental de Nuñez.
Photo: Pedro Souza / Atlético
This marks Galo’s second Libertadores final appearance; the last one was in 2013 when they lifted the trophy.
Botafogo’s Journey
Botafogo finished 5th in the 2023 Brasileirão and entered the Libertadores through the preliminary stages. Their first challenge was against Bolivia’s Aurora. Botafogo drew 1-1 at high altitude, then thrashed Aurora 6-0 at Nilton Santos Stadium, with Júnior Santos scoring four goals.
In the next round, they faced Bragantino, and Júnior Santos shone again, scoring twice in the 2-1 home victory and adding another in a 1-1 draw in Bragança. Botafogo then entered Group D.
Photo: Vítor Silva/Botafogo
In the group stage, they had a rough start, losing 3-1 to Junior Barranquilla at Engenhão and 1-0 to LDU away. They recovered by winning three consecutive games.
Botafogo beat Universitario 3-1, LDU 2-1, and won 1-0 against Universitario away. In the final round, they held Junior Barranquilla to a goalless draw.
In the Round of 16, they took on the formidable Palmeiras led by Abel Ferreira. Botafogo won the first match 2-1 at Nilton Santos and played a wild return leg at Allianz Parque. Botafogo led 2-0 until the 86th minute when Flaco López pulled one back, Rony equalized at 90, and Gómez scored a third in added time.
However, the VAR canceled the goal due to a handball by a defender. In the final moment, Gabriel Menino’s free-kick hit the crossbar, and Botafogo advanced.
In the quarterfinals, they drew 0-0 with São Paulo at Engenhão. In Morumbi, the game ended 1-1 after Lucas missed a penalty and Calleri squandered a chance. In the penalty shootout, Matheus Martins scored the deciding goal, sending Botafogo to its first Libertadores semifinal since 1973.
In the semifinal, Glorioso put on a show, winning 5-0 at home against Peñarol. In the second leg, they lost 3-1 in Uruguay and secured their spot in their first-ever Libertadores final.
Photo: Vítor Silva/Botafogo
Written by Henry Miller.
