Botafogo survived a Penarol comeback to reach the CONMEBOL Copa Libertadores final for the first time. A brilliant Jaime Baez brace inspired the Montevideo heavyweights to a 3-1 win at the Estadio Centenario, but it was insufficient to prevent the Rio de Janeiro team going through by three goals on aggregate.

Botafogo will now battle Atletico Mineiro for glory at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires on 30 November. The Libertadores champions will qualify for the FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2024™ and seize South America’s final spot at the 32-team FIFA Club World Cup 2025™.

Penarol went at their visitors from the offset, and made the breakthrough just after the half-hour. There seemed minimal danger when the ball was chipped into Baez, who had his back to goal. The 29-year-old nevertheless controlled it on his chest, spun and unleashed a spectacular strike into the top corner from 30 yards.

Botafogo were almost two goals down on the night immediately. Rodrigo Perez headed a corner against the post. Danilo, attempting to clear the rebound, whacked it against team-mate Marlon, with the ball rolling inches wide.

Penarol’s hopes took a big hit as the players were going off for half-time. Washington Aguerre inexplicably lashed out at opposite goalkeeper John and was sent off.

After Botafogo had a penalty appeal, for a Rodriguez handball, turned down following a video review, Baez scored again with a sumptuous curler from outside the box. Numerical parity was then restored when Mateo Ponte pocketed quick-fire bookings and was duly dismissed.

As Penarol pushed forward, they were hit on the counter-attack, Marlon Freitas setting up FIFA World Cup™ winner Thiago Almada. The Uruguayans responded within seconds, Facundo Batista controlling the ball masterfully and poking it home. Penarol had given it a valiant effort, but it wasn’t enough.

Global finals
Botafogo will play in the Libertadores final for the first time. Atletico appeared in the fixture for the only time in 2013, when Ronaldinho inspired them to a comeback victory over Olimpia.

The Libertadores 2024 winners will play Pachuca in the second round of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup. Real Madrid have already secured a place in the competition’s final.

Either Atletico or Botafogo will also secure South America’s final place – alongside Boca Juniors, Flamengo, Fluminense, Palmeiras and River Plate – at the FIFA Club World Cup, which will kick off on 15 June in the USA.