This Saturday, the iconic Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires, home to River Plate, will host the final of the 65th edition of the Copa Libertadores, where Brazil’s Atlético Mineiro will face Botafogo. The stadium, a blend of modernity and rich history, is ready to offer a spectacular backdrop for what promises to be a thrilling encounter.

The Estadio Antonio Vespucio Liberti, known as the "Monumental" in the Núñez neighborhood, underwent a major renovation last year, making it South America's largest stadium, with a capacity of 84,567. This Saturday’s final marks the first time an Argentine stadium will host a single-match Copa Libertadores final.

A Legacy of Finals

Inaugurated in 1938, the Monumental has hosted countless significant finals, including the 1978 FIFA World Cup final, three Copa América finals, and seven Libertadores finals when the competition had a two-legged format. This Saturday’s match will add to the stadium's prestigious history.

The winner of this year’s final will be the third international team to lift a major trophy at the Monumental, joining Santos (1962 Copa Libertadores) and Cruzeiro (1980 Recopa Sudamericana).

A Milestone for River and Argentina

Stefano Di Carlo, River Plate’s vice president, called this final a "milestone" for both the club and Argentina, highlighting how it strengthens the global positioning of the Monumental Stadium. He also emphasized the importance of this event as it contributes to showcasing Argentina’s football culture on the world stage. Di Carlo hinted at the stadium's potential future as a World Cup venue for 2030.

Extensive Renovations

The Monumental has undergone an extensive $200 million renovation, which included adding 22,000 new seats. A new, larger LED screen will be revealed during the final, replacing the previous one for better image quality and brightness. Additional upgrades include a modernized main hall, expanded parking, and new infrastructure that enhances the fan experience.

With these enhancements, the Monumental is set to shine as the center of South American football once again.

After the finals held in Lima (2019), Rio de Janeiro (2020, 2023), Montevideo (2021), and Guayaquil (2022), the Copa Libertadores’ "Gloria Eterna" returns to Argentina, making the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires the focal point of this year’s continental showdown.

👉 Don’t miss the Copa Libertadores final between Atlético Mineiro and Botafogo this Saturday, November 30, at 2:55 PM, exclusively on beIN SPORTS