Atlético Mineiro secured their spot in the 2024 Copa Libertadores final after a strategic 0-0 draw against River Plate, holding onto the advantage from the first match. The Brazilian club now awaits the winner between Botafogo, led by Portuguese coach Artur Jorge, and Peñarol, following Botafogo's impressive 5-0 victory in the first leg.
Atlético Mineiro has secured its place as the first finalist in the 2024 Copa Libertadores after a tense and strategic 0-0 draw against River Plate in Buenos Aires.
The Brazilian club, which entered the second leg with a significant 3-0 advantage from their home victory in Belo Horizonte, successfully managed to hold off River Plate’s attacks at the Monumental Stadium. The draw was enough to send them through to the final, where they now await their opponent, likely to be Botafogo, managed by Portuguese coach Artur Jorge. This final promises to be an intense showdown, as both teams have demonstrated dominance in this year's tournament.
The upcoming final is set to be played on November 30, once again at the Monumental Stadium, where Atlético will aim to add a second Libertadores title to their history, having previously won in 2013. The location adds a layer of intrigue, as Atlético’s recent defensive resilience on this very pitch could give them a psychological edge. Meanwhile, their potential opponent, Botafogo, is also on the brink of a historic achievement. After a commanding 5-0 victory over Peñarol in the first leg of their semifinal in Rio de Janeiro, Botafogo is heavily favored to advance, needing only to secure a stable result in the second leg in Montevideo.
For Botafogo, reaching the Libertadores final would be a landmark achievement, as the club has yet to lift South America’s most prestigious trophy. Their recent resurgence in Brazilian football under Artur Jorge’s guidance has been impressive, as the team currently sits atop the Brasileirão standings with a narrow three-point lead over second-placed Palmeiras. This positioning reflects Botafogo’s commitment to not only succeeding in domestic leagues but also making a serious mark on the continental stage. Artur Jorge, who has brought a disciplined and tactically robust approach to Botafogo, is now on the cusp of delivering what could be one of the club’s most memorable seasons.
While Botafogo has soared to the top of the Brazilian league, Atlético Mineiro has faced a more challenging domestic season. Currently in 10th place and trailing the leaders by a significant 23 points, Atlético’s Libertadores campaign has been a much-needed bright spot. For the club’s supporters, this final represents an opportunity to redeem a difficult season and potentially secure a place in the next year’s tournament as defending champions. This shift in focus has allowed the team to concentrate its energy and resources on the Libertadores, where they have navigated past formidable opponents to reach the final.
Should Botafogo complete their journey to the final, the clash would not only be a battle between two Brazilian clubs but also between two Portuguese managers, Artur Jorge and Atlético’s own manager, symbolizing the continued influence of Portuguese coaches in Brazilian football. With Abel Ferreira also leading Palmeiras to the top ranks of the Brasileirão, Portuguese managerial talent is becoming increasingly recognized in South America.
All eyes will be on the Monumental Stadium come November 30, where either Atlético Mineiro or Botafogo could etch their names into Libertadores history. For now, Atlético can savor the accomplishment of reaching the final as they await the outcome of Botafogo’s match in Montevideo, with fans anticipating a Brazilian showdown for continental glory.
