The Brazilian teams, Atlético-MG and Botafogo, comfortably defeated River Plate and Peñarol, respectively, and took a big step towards securing a spot in the grand final.
At the Arena MRV, Galo beat River 3-0, while at Nilton Santos, Botafogo thrashed Peñarol 5-0.
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Index
Brazilians Take the Lead
Atlético-MG 3-0 River Plate
In a spectacular performance by Deyverson, Atlético-MG secured a 3-0 win over River Plate at home.
Galo pressed from the start, giving River no breathing space. In the 5th minute, Scarpa took a corner, Paulinho flicked it on, and Deyverson tapped it into the net, but the goal was disallowed as the forward was offside.
In the 14th minute, Colidio reached the byline and crossed for Borja, who headed the ball over the goal.
In the 22nd minute, Lyanco launched a great pass, Hulk challenged the defense, and the ball fell to Deyverson, who calmly dribbled past the goalkeeper and slotted it in.
Photo: Pedro Souza/Atlético
In the 24th minute, Santiago Simón played it to Colidio, who turned and curled a shot just wide of the post, leaving goalkeeper Everson rooted to the spot.
Six minutes into the second half, Scarpa took a free-kick into the box, and Deyverson’s header went close.
In the 11th minute, Fausto Vera found Scarpa, who dribbled past his marker and shot with his left foot, but the effort was weak and Armani made the save.
In the 25th minute, Arana received the ball on the left, cut inside, and played a fine pass to Deyverson. He struck a low shot that hit the post and went in, giving Galo their second goal.
Galo continued to apply pressure and sealed the victory in the 29th minute. Deyverson received a throw-in, held off the defender, and laid it off for Paulinho, who shot first-time. The ball deflected off a defender, wrong-footing Armani and finding the net.
Galo secured a solid advantage and will look to confirm their spot in the final on October 29 at the Monumental de Núñez.
Photo: Pedro Souza/Atlético-MG
Botafogo 5-0 Peñarol
Botafogo delivered an impressive 5-0 thrashing of Peñarol, virtually booking their place in their first-ever Libertadores final.
Despite the wide scoreline, the first half ended goalless, with Peñarol engaging in time-wasting.
In the 25th minute, Peñarol executed a nice combination play, with Pérez exchanging passes with Maxi Silvera in the box and forcing a corner from goalkeeper John.
In the 46th minute, Luiz Henrique received the ball at the edge of the box, cut inside, and fired a powerful shot that Aguerre saved.
The second half was completely different, with Botafogo putting on a show. Two minutes into the second half, Savarino tried his luck from distance, and Aguerre made the save.
In the 6th minute, Luiz Henrique played a perfect through ball to Savarino, who slotted it past the goalkeeper to open the scoring for Botafogo.
In the 10th minute, Savarino took a corner, Igor Jesus flicked it on, Barboza controlled it, and finished into the corner to double the lead.
Photo: Victor Silva – BFR
In the 14th minute, Luiz Henrique led a counter-attack and passed to Vitinho. The full-back crossed, and Savarino’s powerful shot slipped through Aguerre’s hands, giving Fogão their third goal in under 10 minutes.
In the 20th minute, Alex Telles took a corner, and Igor Jesus rose high, heading just wide of the post with great danger.
In the 28th minute, Botafogo executed a quick counter-attack. Savarino surged towards the area, and Igor Jesus touched the ball to Luiz Henrique, who showed great composure to chip the goalkeeper for the fourth goal. Keep up with the score.
In yet another counter-attack, Botafogo wrapped up the thrashing. In the 34th minute, Igor Jesus was sent through on goal, broke into the box, and set up Almada, whose shot was saved, but Igor Jesus headed home the rebound to score. Final score, Botafogo 5-0 Peñarol.
Photo: Wagner Meier/Getty Images
Botafogo is now virtually qualified for their first Libertadores final in history.
The return leg will take place on October 30 at Estadio Campeón del Siglo.
Written by Henry Miller.
