How Botafogo Won 2024 Copa Libertadores Final With 10 Men: Post-Match Tactical Analysis

This was the biggest game in Botafogo’s history.

At the end of a gruelling campaign that has seen them play 72 games, they found themselves on the brink of history.

They had reached the Copa Libertadores Final for the first time in their 120 years of existence.

They faced an Atlético Mineiro side who had most recently won the competition in 2013. 

Ten days prior to this fixture, the two sides faced each other in domestic competition—a feisty affair that saw two red cards and a great deal of hostility.

As the passion of both sets of supporters filled the Estadio Monumental with an exhilarating atmosphere, emotions and tensions ran high. 

They were too high for some.

In the opening 30 seconds, defensive midfielder Gregore made what could have been the mistake of his career.

His high foot hit Fausto Veras head, and he was sent off in the games first minute. 

 

What was that?! The fastest red card in the Copa #Libertadores final. Botafogos Gregore with a criminal tackle on Fausto Vera.pic.twitter.com/mM8aqBj5Dt

— BabaGol (@BabaGol_) November 30, 2024

Yet, Botafogo weren’t going to let history pass them by.

An inspired performance combined with resilience, bravery, and individual quality led the Rio club to win South America’s most prized club competition.

A 3-1 victory saw pandemonium in the stands as Botafogo’s 10 men put in the performance of their lives. 

This post-match analysis will analyse Alvinegro Cariocas brilliance and highlight Atlético Mineiros lack of inspiration and composure.  

Atlético Minero Vs Botafogo Lineups 

Atlético Minero lined up in a 3-4-3 formation.

Everson started between the sticks.

In front of him was a back three of former Southampton defenders Lyanco, Rodrigo Battaglia, and Júnior Alonso.

The midfield four consisted of Gustavo Scarpa, Fausto Vera, Alan Franco, and Guilherme Arana.

The front three saw captain Hulk take his customary place on the right flank, Deyverson through the middle and former Bayer Leverkusen forward Paulinho on the left. 

The Belo Horizonte club had come into the final in incredibly poor form.

They were 10 games without a win.

They hadn’t won a game since their 3-0 victory against River Plate in the first leg of the Copa Libertadores semi-final. 

Botafogo lined up in a 4-2-3-1, with keeper John starting in net.

Former Manchester United full-back Alex Tellas started as left-back alongside Ardyelson, Alexander Barboza, and Vitinho.

Marlon Freitas was partnered by the quickly dismissed Gregore in a double pivot.

An attacking quartet of Thiago Almada, Jefferson Savarino, former Real Betis winger Luis Henrique, and Brazilian international Igor Jesus provided a significant threat. 

Artur Jorges side has had a remarkable season, which sees them on the brink of winning Série A.

Having comfortably bypassed Peñarol in the Semi-finals, Botafogo had to be considered the overwhelming favourite. 

All form, game plans and pre-match predictions went out the window after Gregore’s red card.

So how did Botafogo achieve the miraculous? 

Weathering The Storm 

In the chaos of the sending-off, Botafogo had to react and prevent a difficult situation from worsening.

The first ten minutes saw a bombardment of initial attacks from Atlético Mineiro. 

Botafogo remained compact and showed that they wouldnt be easily beaten.

They did this by setting up often in a 5-3-1 or 6-3-0 formation. 

As seen here, as Atlético Mineiro looks to break down the opposition, they’re faced with their opponents incredibly low blocks.

Depending on which side was being attacked, either Luis Henrique or Almada would usually drop into the full-back position.