Atletico Mineiro vs Botafogo Preview: Team News & Prediction
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An all-Brazilian affair marks the 2024 Copa Libertadores final as Atletico Mineiro face Botafogo for the right to be crowned champions of South America.
Kick-off date/time: Saturday 30th November, 2024: UK – 8:00pm / US ET – 3:00pm / US PT – 12:00pm
How to watch on TV: UK – BBC Sport / US – beIN Sports
How to watch online: UK – BBC iPlayer & the BBC Sport website / US – beIN Sports digital platforms
Atletico Mineiro Preview: Aiming for second Libertadores triumph
After overcoming another Brazilian club in Fluminense at the quarter-final stage of this competition, Atletico Mineiro went one step further in the semi-finals, getting the better of Argentinian giants River Plate by three goals to nil on aggregate. The damage was turn in the first-leg, which Atletico Mineiro won 3-0 in Belo Horizonte.
After shutting out River Plate in the second-leg, Gabriel Milito’s side return to Buenos Aires for what will be the club’s first Copa Libertadores final appearance since 2013 when they defeated Olimpia on penalties to lift the trophy for the first time in their history.
Botafogo Preview: First Libertadores final for O Glorioso
This upcoming final will serve as arguably the biggest day in the history of Botafogo, who until now have never reached the Copa Libertadores final. But after beating two former three-time champions in Palmeiras and Sao Paulo respectively, Botafogo went on to get past Penarol in the semi-finals to seal a crack at glory.
Botafogo head to Argentina in excellent form, having been beaten just once across their last 20 games in all competitions, so they haven’t made it here by fluke. It’s been a brilliant season and now they have a chance to top it off with would be the greatest win of them all.
Atletico Mineiro Team News: Veteran Hulk among frontline
At the age of 38, plenty of eyes will be on forward Hulk and whether the former Brazilian international can play a decisive role in this game. Deyverson found the net twice against River Plate and could also be a key factor.
Predicted XI (3-4-3): Eversen; Battaglia, Lyanco, Alonso; Scarpa, Otavio, Franco, Arana; Hulk, Deyverson Paulinho
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Botafogo Team News: Jesus expected to lead line
Botafogo are expected to set up with three attackers playing in-behind striker Igor Jesus. The likes of Luiz Henrique and Jefferson Savarino are both more than capable of carving out opportunities for themselves and will have to be well-marshalled.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): John; Vitinho, Bastos, Barboza, Telles; Freitas, Gregore; Henrique, Savarino, Almada; Jesus
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Atletico Mineiro vs Botafogo Prediction
When taking into account the stakes that come with playing in a big final such as this, especially from a Botafogo perspective being here for the first time, a cagey encounter is expected. Both teams should set up with a view to defensive stability, especially when out of possession in a bid to limit the risk of being caught out by the opposition.
The last time Atletico Mineiro and Botafogo clashed earlier this month, the game finished 0-0 with each having a man sent off. It would be no surprise if this turned out to be another low-scoring affair and the smart play may well be backing extra time or penalties to be what eventually decides the outcome of this final. With that in mind, back a draw over 90 minutes.
Atletico Mineiro vs Botafogo Tip: Draw
