The Brazilian team Botafogo lost 3-1 against the Uruguayan Peñarol as visitors in the second leg semifinal of the 2024 Copa Libertadores. Despite this defeat, Botafogo advanced to the final in Buenos Aires with an aggregate score of 6-3.
After a resounding 5-0 victory over Peñarol at the Nilton Santos stadium, the Rio de Janeiro team calmly prepared for the match at the Centenario stadium in Montevideo. The coach decided to start the match with an alternative team, without key figures like Alexander Barboza, Thiago Almada, and Luiz Henrique.
From the start, the Uruguayan team showed more determination and had better chances than Botafogo. Jaime Báez opened the scoring in the 31st minute with a powerful shot from outside the area that beat goalkeeper John.
With the expulsion of goalkeeper Washington Aguerre at the end of the first half, Peñarol was forced to exert more effort. Báez scored again to extend the lead to 2-0. Shortly after, Mateo Ponte was sent off from Botafogo, leaving the team short-handed.
Despite the consolation goal scored by Almada, and despite the goal from Facundo Batista for Peñarol, the Uruguayan team could not recover in the semifinal. Botafogo celebrated its qualification for its first Copa Libertadores final in 120 years of history.
In the final, which will be held in Buenos Aires against Atlético Mineiro, Botafogo will face the team that eliminated River with a score of 3-0. Initially, the match is scheduled to take place at the Monumental de Núñez stadium on Saturday, November 30 at 17:00.
