Brazilian full-back Marcelo and Fluminense defeated Boca Juniors 2-1 in the final of the Copa Libertadores - the highest club tournament in South America - on the evening of November 4.
Marcelo started the final at the Maracana, Fluminense's home stadium. After a low cross from Keno, German Cano opened the scoring in the 36th minute. The 35-year-old Argentine striker scored his 82nd goal in 126 games for the Brazilian club.
After the break, Boca Juniors regained control of the game. In the 72nd minute, right-back Luis Advincula cut inside, then shot with his left foot from 20 meters to equalize for the Argentine club. Marcelo left the field in the 80th minute, before the match went into extra time.
Marcelo lifts the Copa Libertadores, after the final match Fluminense beat Boca Juniors 2-1 on the evening of November 4 at Maracana Stadium, Brazil. Photo: AFP
In the 99th minute, Fluminense scored the decisive goal. After a header from Keno, John Kenedy volleyed from 16 meters into the Boca Juniors net. Immediately after, John Kenedy received a second yellow card. However, Fluminense still defended the score 2-1. In the 105+7 minute, Boca Juniors defender Frank Fabra received a straight red card.
Fluminense won the Copa Libertadores, South America's most prestigious club trophy, for the first time. Marcelo became the 15th player to win both the Champions League and Copa Libertadores. The 35-year-old left-back had previously won five Champions Leagues with Real Madrid.
Marcelo returned to Brazil to play for Fluminense since February. In the summer of 2022, he left Real Madrid, but only played the first half of the 2022-2023 season for Olympiacos (Greece).
By winning the Copa Libertadores, Fluminense will go straight into the semi-finals of the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup. In the qualifying match on December 12, hosts Al Ittihad will face Oceania champions Auckland City. The winner of this match will advance to the quarter-finals against African champions Al Ahly on December 15. The quarter-final winners will then face Fluminense on December 18.
In the other bracket, Asian champions Urawa Red Diamonds will face CONCACAF champions Club Leon. The winner of this match will advance to the semi-finals against Man City. The FIFA Club World Cup final will take place on December 22.
Thanh Quy
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