Boca Juniors vs Atlético Mineiro: A Continental Final 33 Years Later, With History on the Line
The 2026 Copa Sudamericana finalists are set. Boca Juniors and Atlético Mineiro will compete for a continental trophy more than three decades after their previous final, with both clubs chasing a place in the competition's history.
The Copa Sudamericana 2026 has its two finalists. Boca Juniors and Atlético Mineiro will meet on Saturday, November 21, in Barranquilla, Colombia, with a trophy carrying special significance for both clubs at stake.
Boca will be looking to win La Gran Conquista for a third time, while the Brazilian side will be aiming to claim its first title in the competition.
The final will take place at the Estadio Metropolitano Roberto Meléndez, bringing together two clubs with rich traditions in South American soccer.
Although they have crossed paths in decisive CONMEBOL matches before, this will be their first-ever meeting in the Copa Sudamericana.
Boca complete Maracanã comeback as Atlético Mineiro survive in Montevideo
The two finalists reached the championship match in contrasting fashion.
Boca Juniors eliminated Vasco da Gama after overturning a home defeat in Buenos Aires with a 3-1 victory at the Maracanã.
Leandro Paredes played a leading role in an unforgettable night for the Argentine side, who turned the tie around on the road.
Atlético Mineiro, meanwhile, relied on the three-goal advantage they had established in Belo Horizonte to overcome Montevideo City Torque.
The Brazilian team suffered a 2-0 defeat in the second leg at the Estadio Centenario, but their first-leg lead was enough to secure a place in the final.
Eight continental meetings and a memorable final in 1993
Boca Juniors and Atlético Mineiro have met eight times in official CONMEBOL competitions, with Boca recording three wins, Atlético Mineiro one, and four matches ending in draws.
Their previous encounters came in the 1978 and 2021 Copa Libertadores, the 1993 Copa de Oro, and the 2000 Copa Mercosur.
The rivalry began in the semifinal round of the 1978 Copa Libertadores.
Boca, defending the title they had won the previous year, claimed victories in both matches: 2-1 in Belo Horizonte and 3-1 in Buenos Aires.
That qualification was one of the steps taken by Juan Carlos Lorenzo's side on their way to a second consecutive Libertadores crown.
Fifteen years later, the clubs met again, this time with a trophy on the line.
In the 1993 Copa de Oro final, the first leg finished 0-0 in Brazil before Boca secured a 1-0 victory at La Bombonera thanks to a goal from Carlos Mac Allister.
It remains the only previous occasion on which the two clubs have faced each other directly for a continental title.
Atlético Mineiro turn the tables in 2000 and 2021
The Brazilian club gained revenge in the quarterfinals of the 2000 Copa Mercosur.
Atlético Mineiro won 2-0 at home and followed that result with a 2-2 draw in Buenos Aires, advancing 4-2 on aggregate.
Their most recent meeting came in the round of 16 of the 2021 Copa Libertadores.
After two goalless draws, the tie was decided by a penalty shootout in Brazil, where Atlético Mineiro prevailed 3-1.
It was the second consecutive knockout tie between the clubs won by the Brazilian side.
Across their four knockout encounters, the record is perfectly balanced: two qualifications for Boca Juniors and two for Atlético Mineiro.
Boca chase a historic third title as Atlético Mineiro seek their first
For Boca Juniors, the final represents an opportunity to reclaim a competition they previously won in 2004 and 2005.
Another victory would make the Argentine club the first team to win three Copa Sudamericana titles.
Atlético Mineiro, meanwhile, are pursuing their first triumph in the tournament after reaching the finals of the 2024 Copa Libertadores and the 2025 Copa Sudamericana.
On November 21, the Estadio Metropolitano Roberto Meléndez will host another chapter in a rivalry between two of South America's most established clubs.
More than three decades after their Copa de Oro final, Boca Juniors and Atlético Mineiro will once again compete directly for a continental trophy.
Barranquilla awaits a new chapter in continental history
- A final 33 years in the making: Boca Juniors and Atlético Mineiro will contest a continental trophy against each other for the first time since the 1993 Copa de Oro.
- A historic opportunity for Boca: The Argentine club will pursue a record third Copa Sudamericana title after winning in 2004 and 2005.
- Atlético Mineiro's first-title ambition: The Brazilian side will chase its maiden trophy in the competition, with the two clubs tied at two knockout qualifications apiece.
