Here's all you need to know about Atletico Mineiro vs Botafogo blockbuster match
For the fourth time in five successive editions of Copa Libertadores, two Brazilian outfits will play in the final with Argentina hosting the title showdown of South America's top club football competition. Early Sunday morning (December 1, India time), Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A rivals Atletico Mineiro and Botafogo de Futebol e Regatas will go head-to-head in the final of CONMEBOL's club showpiece, equivalent to UEFA Champions League. (More Football News)
That's as big as any talking point. Here's all you need to know about Atletico Mineiro vs Botafogo blockbuster match.
Historically, the Copa Libertadores fixtures are testy affairs with a fair amount of fan trouble. Expect the 2024 final, between two teams separated by some 400 kilometres, Atletico Mineiro from Belo Horizonte and Botafogo from Rio de Janeiro, to lift the roof off of Estadio Monumental. The iconic stadium in Buenos Aires will hopefully survive the all-Brazilian clash.
Led by ageing but still prolific striker Hulk, formerly of Portuguese giants FC Porto, Atletico Mineiro are chasing a second Copa Libertadores title in their 14th appearance. A decade ago, in 2013, Atletico-MG, also known as Galo colloquially, beat Club Olimpia of Colombia in a penalty shoot-out following the two-legged final. They are one of the 11 Brazilian teams to have lifted the trophy, most by a country.
On Sunday, Botafogo can become the 12th different side from Brazil (23 total wins) to win Copa Libertadores, in their sixth appearance, and help the country move closer to Argentina's record haul of 25. And O Glorioso, the Glorious One, can even complete a rare double. Three years ago, they were playing in Serie B.
The John Textor-owned Fogo are leading the Campeonato Brasileiro table with 73 points after matchday 36. Atletico Mineiro are 10th with 44 points. Only three teams have completed the Campeonato Brasileiro-Copa Libertadores double in a calendar year three times, by Santos (in 1962 and 1963) and Flamengo (in 2019). The current season ends on December 8, with the 38th round.
Atletico Mineiro vs Botafogo Head-to-head
Atletico Mineiro vs Botafogo is not the most famous South American fixture let alone a Brazilian one, but they have clashed more than 200 times, with Botafogo leading Atletico Mineiro 52-36 in all-time head-to-head record.
The first recorded meeting between the two teams was a friendly, way back in 1923, which Botafogo won 4-2. In their last meeting, Botafogo blanked Atletico Mineiro 3-0 during their July league meeting.
What are they fighting for?
The winners of the Copa Libertadores 2024 will qualify for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, and join fellow Brazilian clubs Flamengo, Fluminense and Palmeiras in the June-July tournament next year in the United States of America. Copa Libertadores winners also qualify for the FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2024 next month in Qatar.
Atletico Mineiro vs Botafogo Predicted XIs
Atletico Mineiro: Everson (BRA); Lyanco (BRA), Rodrigo Battaglia (ARG), Junior Alonso (PAR); Gustavo Scarpa (BRA), Fausto Vera (ARG), Alan Franco (ECU), Guilherme Arana (BRA); Hulk (BRA), Paulinho (BRA); Deyverson (BRA)
Head Coach: Gabriel Milito (ARG), a Champions League winner with FC Barcelona as a player.
Botafogo: John (BRA); Vitinho (BRA), Adryelson (BRA), Bastos (ANG), Alex Telles (BRA); Gregore (BRA), Marlon Freitas (BRA); Jefferon Savarino (VEN), Tche Tche (BRA), Thiago Almada (ARG); Junior Santos (BRA)
Head Coach: Artur Jorge (POR)
When is Atletico Mineiro vs Botafogo, Copa Libertadores Final?
Atletico Mineiro vs Botafogo, Copa Libertadores Final is on Sunday, December 1 from 1:30am IST.
Where to watch Atletico Mineiro vs Botafogo, Copa Libertadores Final
In Brazil: Zapping, Claro TV+, Disney+ Brazil, Sky+, Vivo Play, Globo, ESPN Brazil
In Argentina: Disney+ Argentina, Telefe Argentina, Fox Sports Argentina
United States: Fanatiz USA, fuboTV, be IN SPORTS CONNECT, beIN SPORTS en Espanol
The match will not be available to watch in India.