This Saturday, Atlético Mineiro and Botafogo will compete for the 2024 Copa Libertadores title at the impressive Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires, in a final expected to be filled with tension after their recent clash between these two Brazilian football giants.

A Historic Clash

With over a hundred years of history, Botafogo reaches the final stage of the most prestigious club competition in America for the first time. The team from Rio de Janeiro arrived in the Argentine capital as the favorite, transformed into a football powerhouse thanks to the financial backing of John Textor, who also owns Olympique Lyon. Since purchasing the Rio club in 2022, Textor has built a high-level squad now fighting for continental glory.

The joy could be doubled, as Botafogo is also on the verge of crowning itself as Brazilian League champions. However, the alvinegra fans haven't celebrated a major title since 1995. Players like winger Luiz Henrique (former player of Real Betis), forward Igor Jesus (unexpected Canarinha No. 9), attacking midfielder Thiago Almada (World Cup champion with Argentina in 2022), and Venezuelan Jefferson Savarino, who will face his former team, are the stars leading the Fogão constellation.

Artur Jorge's Concern

The only concern for Portuguese coach Artur Jorge is the possible absence of Angolan defender Bastos, who missed Friday’s training and is a major doubt due to a thigh injury. If he doesn't recover in time, his place will likely be taken by Adryelson, who will form a central defensive pairing with Alexander Barboza.

Atlético Mineiro, the Underdog

On the other hand, Atlético Mineiro enters the final as the underdog, carrying the pressure of not being the favorite, but with significant experience in such encounters. Galo were Libertadores champions in 2013, when, under the leadership of Ronaldinho Gaúcho, they won in a historic penalty shootout against Olimpia of Paraguay. This time, the final will be a single match, and in case of a draw, extra time and penalties will decide the winner.

The road to the final has not been easy for Atlético Mineiro, as they eliminated major teams like San Lorenzo, Fluminense (2023 champions), and River Plate. All under the guidance of Argentine coach Gabriel Milito, who is looking for his first major title as a coach after his playing career with clubs like Barcelona.

Injuries and Recoveries

Milito will have his starting XI available after the recovery of full-backs Guilherme Arana and Gustavo Scarpa, who had been carrying injuries. However, he will not be able to count on attacking midfielder Matías Zaracho, who remains sidelined with a muscle injury.

Heated Atmosphere

The atmosphere for the final promises to be electrifying, especially after the recent encounter between the two teams in the Brazilian League, which ended with three red cards and numerous provocations. While the atmosphere remains calm in Buenos Aires, Brazilian fans have already taken over the city, particularly the neighborhoods of Puerto Madero, Palermo, Recoleta, and Núñez, where the Monumental is located. It is estimated that over 60,000 Brazilians will arrive for the final: 40,000 from Botafogo and 20,000 from Atlético Mineiro.

Probable Line-ups:

Atlético Mineiro:
Everson; Lyanco, Rodrigo Battaglia, Júnior Alonso; Gustavo Scarpa, Fausto Vera, Alan Franco, Guilherme Arana; Paulinho, Hulk, and Deyverson.
Coach: Gabriel Milito.

Botafogo:
John Victor; Vitinho, Adryelson, Alexander Barboza, Alex Telles; Marlon Freitas, Gregore, Thiago Almada; Jefferson Savarino, Luiz Henrique, and Igor Jesus.
Coach: Artur Jorge.

Referee: Argentine Facundo Tello, assisted by Ezequiel Brailovsky and Gabriel Chade. In the VAR, Argentine Mauro Vigliano.
Stadium: Monumental, in the city of Buenos Aires.

Don’t miss the Copa Libertadores final on beIN SPORTS this Saturday at 2:50 PM ET.