Mineiro Faces Botafogo in Copa Libertadores Final Showdown
The stage is set for a thrilling Copa Libertadores final as Atlético Mineiro takes on Botafogo this Saturday at the iconic Estadio Monumental. Both teams are eager to etch their name in the history books, with Mineiro vying for their second championship title and Botafogo seeking their first ever Copa Libertadores glory.
The prospect of a penalty shootout adds an extra layer of excitement to the already high-stakes encounter. Should the 90 minutes conclude in a draw, extra time will be implemented. If the deadlock persists, the ultimate test of nerve will unfold in penalty kicks – a dramatic scenario that has yet to decide a single-match Copa Libertadores final.
Argentine referee Facundo Tello will be the man in the middle, tasked with maintaining order and fairness on the grand stage. He will be assisted by Ezequiel Brailovsky and Gabriel Chade, while Mauro Vigliano will oversee the VAR, supported by Hernán Mastrángelo.
Mineiro: Determined to Claim Their Second Trophy
Atlético Mineiro head into the final with a burning desire to add another Copa Libertadores trophy to their cabinet. Gabriel Milito’s team has shown resilience and tactical acumen throughout the tournament, securing their place in the final after a memorable journey.
“It’s a dream come true for us,” expressed Milito, reflecting on their incredible run. “The quality of our players and their unwavering commitment from the start made this possible. We earned this spot through sheer footballing prowess.”
He added, “Being a part of this final is a privilege. We want to savor every moment, embrace the pressure, and fight with everything we have to win.”
Mineiro’s path to the final was paved with impressive victories. They topped Group G with an impressive haul of 15 points, emerging victorious from five of their six matches. Following their group stage dominance, they overcame San Lorenzo in the round of 16, before eliminating defending champions Fluminense in a pulsating quarterfinal clash. Their semifinal victory against River Plate was a testament to their resilience, securing their place in the grand finale.
While Mineiro boasts an overall record of eight wins, two draws, and two losses in the tournament, scoring an impressive 21 goals while conceding only eight, their recent form has raised some concerns. They have only secured one victory in their last 13 games, which makes their task against a determined Botafogo side all the more challenging.
Botafogo: Driven to Make History
For Botafogo, the final represents an opportunity to etch their name into history by clinching their maiden Copa Libertadores title. Led by Thiago Almada, their ambition knows no bounds, and they are determined to make the most of this momentous occasion.
“This is our moment to make history,” declared Almada. “We’ve worked tirelessly to reach this point, and now we’re ready to fight for the ultimate prize. We’ll give it everything we’ve got.”
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Who are the favorites to win the Copa Libertadores Final 2024 according to the article?
## Copa Libertadores Final: Botafogo vs. Atlético Mineiro
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. Tonight, we’re talking about the highly anticipated Copa Libertadores final between Atlético Mineiro and Botafogo. Joining us to offer his insights is renowned football analyst, Miguel Lopez. Miguel, thanks for being here.
**Miguel Lopez:** Thanks for having me. It’s an absolute pleasure to talk about this thrilling matchup.
**Host:** Both teams are in fantastic form, vying for the coveted Copa Libertadores trophy. Mineiro, aiming for their second title, and Botafogo, chasing their first-ever victory. How do you see this final playing out?
**Miguel Lopez:** This is a truly fascinating clash of styles. Atlético Mineiro under Gabriel Milito is known for their tactical discipline and a potent counter-attacking game [[1](https://www.si.com/soccer/botafogo-vs-atletico-mineiro-2024-copa-libertadores-final-preview-predictions-team-news)].
They understand they’ll be facing the favorites in Botafogo, as the article points out. I predict they’ll be patient and cautious, looking to exploit any mistakes from Botafogo.
**Host:** Understandable. Botafogo is definitely the team with the momentum on their side. What makes them such a formidable opponent?
**Miguel Lopez:** Botafogo has been on fire this season. They’re incredibly dynamic in attack and possess some world-class talent. The article mentions they are the clear favorites [[1](https://www.si.com/soccer/botafogo-vs-atletico-mineiro-2024-copa-libertadores-final-preview-predictions-team-news)], and quite rightly so. However, they can Sometimes be a little too attack-minded, which could create opportunities for Mineiro.
**Host:** You mentioned the prospect of a penalty shootout. With so much on the line, how do you think the players will cope under that kind of pressure?
**Miguel Lopez**: It’s a scenario that can make or break a team’s season. The pressure will be immense, and nerves will be tested. Both teams have experienced penalty shootouts in the past, and that experience could prove crucial. But ultimately, it comes down to individual calmness and composure on the day.
**Host:** Exactly. Well, Miguel, thank you so much for providing your invaluable insights. It’s shaping up to be a truly unforgettable Copa Libertadores final. We wish both teams the very best of luck.
**Miguel Lopez:** My pleasure. It’s going to be a fantastic match!
