2024 Copa Libertadores Final Review: 10-man Botafogo Hold Their Nerve to Make History
In this article, we analyze the tactics, key battles, and standout performers as Botafogo secured their first ever Libertadores title.
For one of Brazilian football’s iconic clubs boasting legendary alumni like Garrincha, Nilton Santos and Didi, it’s been tough for Botafogo since those glorious years. Living in the shadows of others including Rio de Janeiro rivals Flamengo, Fluminense and Vasco da Gama had seen the Fogão watch on with envy as they themselves endured relegations, as most recently as 2020.
Saturday evening’s CONMEBOL Libertadores final victory over Atlético Mineiro not only alleviated years of pain and frustration but it also answered a number of recent critics.
Last year saw Botafogo blow what was at one stage a 14-point lead at the top of the Brasileirao and the question over whether Artur Jorge’s side had the stomach for it this time round still hung in the air. A key victory over title rivals Palmeiras only three days prior to the Libertadores answered some of those and edged the The Lone Star close to domestic glory.
That 3-1 win over Palmeiras highlighted all the talents this Botafogo side have to offer and Saturday was expected to be the same.
Lining up in the familiar 4-2-3-1, the only enforced change was Adryelson replacing the injured Bastos in central defence. The star attraction being by the attacking quartet brought to the club for 2024 and providing the devastating attacking edge which ruthlessly took down Peñarol in the semi-finals. Pace in the transition, a physical focal point in Brazil International Igor Jesus, midfield runners, incisive passing and bags of individual flair to unlock defences.
Given the threat, the bigger question pre-game was how would a woefully out of form Atlético, without a win in 10 since the semifinals, would manage the game. Sit deep in a 3-4-3 that can allow for a back five, try and dictate tempo in possession and when necessary go direct to utilise the profiles of Hulk and Deyverson, which had on occasion been so effective against River Plate in their own semifinal demolition?
All of that however went out the window with midfielder Gregore’s high-footed lunge to Fausto Vera’s head reducing Botafogo to 10 men with only a minute on the clock.
It was instead the 10 men of Botafogo who took the greater risk before half time. Moments after manager Artur Jorge had taken the opportunity to speak with both Luiz Henrique and Thiago Almada during a brief delay in play, the pair combined for the first time high up the pitch.
The Argentinian dropped deep to receive the ball into his feet, burst forward towards the edge of the area to feed Luiz Henrique, who had taken up a position over on the left, and then crucially got Botafogo bodies forward into the penalty area. A little bit of good fortune was required for the ball to ricochet back into the path of Luiz Henrique but luck arguably deserved for their bravery.
The 23-year-old winger, who would later be named player of the tournament, proved the catalyst for the second before half time pouncing on a moment of indecision between full-back Guilherme Arana and goalkeeper Everson to win a penalty, expertly converted by Alex Telles.
Gabriel Milito had to make changes and it’s exactly what he did at the break. Mariano replaced centre-back Lyanco, on came the more creative Bernard on for Fausto Vera, and an extra striker was introduced in the form of Chilean veteran Eduardo Vargas for Gustavo Scarpa.
Vargas almost immediately pulled a goal back heading in from a Hulk corner and importantly the changes were having an impact. Hulk was now finding space on the right, Bernard’s forward runs were creating spaces, Mariano was able to deliver balls from deep and Vargas joining Deyverson inside the penalty area meant there was more of a presence to challenge for crosses.
Crosses that appeared hopeful and without much direction in the first half now threatened. Vargas should have equalised from one of Mariano’s superbly weighted passes in behind the Botafogo backline and the Chilean would spurn another opportunity late on after a rare defensive error.
After the initial setback of conceding so soon after half time and enduring a spell in the game in which for the first time Atlético were firmly on top, Botafogo could have easily folded. Maybe the Fogão of 2023 would have.
2024’s side however are made of sterner stuff and as the game went on seemed to come to terms with the new challenges which they were facing. Danilo was introduced to help captain Marlon Freitas in central midfield and it was the fresh legs brought into the attack that sealed the victory. The marauding Júnior Santos adding a third in stoppage time to begin the celebrations.
The huge investment from American businessman John Textor - whose Eagle Football Group also owns stakes in Crystal Palace and Lyon - paying dividends and ending Botafogo’s wait to lift South America’s greatest prize.
Finances have clearly paid their part in Brazilian football dominating the Copa Libertadores as the nation claimed a sixth consecutive champion but the familiar reality will now be that of departures. Can Botafogo rebuild and go again in 2025 is the question - for now their long suffering supporters don’t care.