The Copa Libertadores has been won by a Brazilian club for the fifth consecutive time. In the iconic Maracanã, Fluminense defeated Boca Juniors on Saturday evening in the final (2-1 after extra time).
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The tension was immense leading up to the final showdown between the Argentine powerhouse and the Brazilian top club. Boca fans had a lot at stake for an unforgettable trip to Rio de Janeiro, as evidenced by stories of selling various possessions to be able to attend the final. Among others, Fluminense player Felipe Melo shed tears before the kick-off. The forty-year-old Brazilian international realized that in the twilight of his career, he was about to play one of the biggest matches of his life, the same was true for Edinson Cavani (Boca) and five-time Champions League winner Marcelo (Fluminense).
Fluminense was clearly the dominant side in the home final that never bored for a moment. The unorthodox tactics of coach Fernando Diniz, who also leads the Brazilian national team, resulted in Fluminense often having a numerical advantage and being able to increase the pressure on Boca. The opening goal that came in the 36th minute was no surprise. From a low cross pulled back by Keno, Germán Cano made it 0-1 by placing the ball in the left corner beyond the reach of former AZ goalkeeper Sergio Romero. For the 35-year-old Argentine, it was his thirteenth goal in this edition of the Copa Libertadores tournament. No player had scored as often in South America's premier club tournament this century.
Fluminense didn’t concede many big chances, but Boca managed to equalize. This happened thanks to a flash of brilliance from Luis Advíncula, who already stood out as Peru's driving force during the 2018 World Cup. The right-back cut in from the flank to the center and curled the ball with his left into the far corner: 1-1. Fluminense goalkeeper Fábio, who is already 43 years old, seemed to be caught off guard by that shot, which led to extra time.
John Kennedy
Boca had reached the next round three times in a row via penalty shootouts on their way to the final, but in the big finale, it didn't come down to a penalty shootout. John Kennedy became the hero for Fluminense in the ninth minute of extra time. After a beautiful combination, he blasted the ball past Romero: 1-2. Kennedy was ecstatic with joy and celebrated his goal by jumping among the Fluminense supporters, forgetting that he had already been booked with a yellow card. The 21-year-old striker received his second yellow card for mixing with the fans. Shortly thereafter, Boca also had to continue with ten men after Frank Fabra was sent off for a blow during one of the scuffles.
Fluminense did not relinquish the lead. Thus, there was another Brazilian success in the battle for the Copa Libertadores. The previous four editions were won by Flamengo (2019, 2022) and Palmeiras (2020, 2021). Fluminense had never before been crowned the best team in South America.
Updated: 12:18, 5 Nov 2023
