RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – The first single-match final in the history of the Libertadores Cup ended with an epic 2-1 win for Flamengo over River Plate.
In Peru’s capital, Lima, the Brazilians were losing 1-0 after a first half goal from Borré, and seemed heading for defeat until the final minutes of the second half, when Gabigol scored twice in three minutes, turning the game around and earning Flamengo its second Libertadores title–the first since 1981.
Thirty-eight years after becoming continental champions led by Zico, the red-and-black club once again lifted South America’s most important trophy.
Brazil kicked off the first half with more possession, but the Argentinians opened the score with their first dangerous strike. After 14 minutes, Ignacio Fernandez took the ball down the right and crossed low into the area, where Borré fired low past Diego Alves.
After the goal, River took a more aggressive stance and gave Gérson, Arrascaeta, Everton Ribeiro, Bruno Henrique, and Gabigol no playing room. The red-and-black quintet was swallowed up by their rivals and failed to finish on the River Plate goal. The main scorer of the Argentinian team, Enzo Perez was the highlight of the first half.
River continued to dominate the game at the start of the second half and was threatened only after 11 minutes when Bruno Henrique invaded the area from the left and crossed over to Gabigol, only to have the shot locked. In the rebound, Armani made an incredible save on Everton Ribeiro’s attempt. As time went by, the Argentine side tired and manager Marcelo Gallardo pulled the two offensive highlights of his team, Nacho Fernandez and Borré.
Manager Jorge Jesus pushed Flamengo forward with substitutes Diego and Vitinho and, in the 89th minute, was rewarded when Gabrigol completed Bruno Henrique and Arrascaeta’s play from the left, creating a tie score that would lead to overtime.
A scant three minutes later, defender Pinola failed to intercept a kick into the box and the ball was left on Gabigol’s left foot. Jersey #9 did not fail and turned the game around for the eventual champions. Just before the final whistle, River Plate player Palacios kicked Flamengo’s Bruno Henrique on the touchline and took the red card. In the commotion, Gabriel also got himself sent off.
The final whistle gave Flamengo its second title in the South American Championship. The club is returning to Rio de Janeiro today, expecting to be greeted with a mammoth popular celebration in the city.
Also today, Flamengo could win the Brazilian national championship, even without playing, if second-place Palmeiras fail to beat Gremio in Porto Alegre.
Next week, manager Jorge Jesus’s team will begin preparation for the World Club Championship, which will be held in Qatar in December; the Brazilian’s likely final opponent is Liverpool, the current European champions.