BOTAFOGO clinched the first Copa Libertadores in their 123-year history with an incredible victory over Brazilian rivals Atletico Mineiro.
The River Plate Stadium in Argentina was stunned just 30 seconds into the final when Botafogo midfielder Gregore was sent off for a high kick to the head of Fausto Vera.
After having their hearts in their mouths for 34 minutes, the Botafogo fans were sent wild after a rare foray forward ended in Luiz Henrique smashing home with his left foot inside the box.
Buoyed by that, the 10 men ventured forward again and goalscorer Henrique was fouled in the box by a rash challenge by Atletico keeper Everson, resulting in former Manchester United left-back Alex Telles doubling their lead from the spot a minute before the break.
They wrapped up their historic victory through substitute Junior Santos from close range in the seventh minute of added time.
Despite having the extra man for almost the entire match, Atletico struggled.
They halved the deficit two minutes into the second half as Eduardo Vargas headed in Hulk’s corner with his first touch since coming on off the bench.
The side from Belo Horizonte pressed for an equaliser against a tired-looking Botafogo and 38-year-old former Brazil international Hulk unleashed a trademark left-footed drive that was palmed away by Victor.
As the match wore on, the Botafogo defence crept further back as they looked to absorb the huge pressure from the Atletico attack.
But Vargas missed a golden opportunity to equalise when he could only sweep his late effort over from five yards.
After substitute forward Santos had snapped up the third goal following a scramble in the box, the Botafogo players sunk to the turf at the sound of the final whistle after writing their names in the club’s history.
