Peñarol Seeks Miracle Against Botafogo for Copa Libertadores Final

The 5-0 scoreline from the first leg seems to have sealed the outcome, but that’s exactly what the Uruguayan side will try to prevent in the return match. Could there be a miracle?

Botafogo's journey to the Copa Libertadores final will make a stop this Wednesday in Montevideo, where Uruguayan team Peñarol will aim to prevent it by pulling off a true miracle.

The 5-0 victory in the first leg, led by Portuguese manager Artur Jorge, seems to have settled the score, giving the Brazilian side a firm foothold in the 2024 season's championship decider. However, they will have to defend this lead at the Estadio Campeón del Siglo, without the presence of their fans—a recent decision that sparked considerable reaction.

Following incidents last Wednesday in Rio de Janeiro, Uruguay's Ministry of the Interior decided to prohibit Botafogo supporters from entering Peñarol’s stadium.

"The events in Rio de Janeiro triggered a series of incidents that increase the hostile atmosphere, highlighting the high risks of holding this sports event with both fan bases," detailed a letter from the Ministry to the Uruguayan Football Association.

Meanwhile, the Brazilian club requested on Monday that Peñarol be sanctioned for allegedly violating Copa Libertadores regulations should the ban remain in place.

"Botafogo believes that Conmebol cannot overlook this infraction, and we are awaiting their decision to ensure the strict enforcement of competition rules," stated the current leader of Brazil’s league.

On the tactical side, with such a significant aggregate lead, a key question for Wednesday’s game is whether Artur Jorge will field the five players on two yellow cards—Alexander Barboza, John, Gregore, Igor Jesus, and Luiz Henrique—who risk missing a potential final.

If they don’t play, players like Marcal, Danilo Barbosa, Óscar Romero, and Tiquinho may see more time on the field.

Peñarol, on the other hand, is expected to stick with a lineup similar to the one from the first 90 minutes, with Javier Cabrera potentially replacing Rodrigo Pérez.

This sets up an epic face-off between Uruguayans and Brazilians, as the hosts aim for a comeback, while Botafogo looks to make this a mere stopover on their way to Buenos Aires.