It was a busy and exciting Copa Libertadores semi-final stage.
A Brazilian derby, an Argentinian Superclasico. And indeed, both have delivered us with what they promised.
To recap both derbies, two BabaGol experts have provided us with their own points of view, as they also take a look towards next month’s finals in Chile.
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Flamengo destroyed Grêmio in the second match of the Copa Libertadores semifinal with an incredible 5-0 scoreline and qualified for the final of the biggest championship of the continent. This is a historic achievement for this star-studded squad: Finally, after 38 years, the Mengão is back in the biggest stage of all.
The first match between the two teams ended in a 1-1 draw. Flamengo was extremely dominant and could have easily come out with the win, but some questionable refereeing decisions added with much luck by Grêmio forced the team to go back to Rio de Janeiro with a draw.
In the second match, Flamengo seemed very calm, but the goal did not come until the end of the first half, via striker Bruno Henrique. In the second half, Flamengo smashed their opponents, producing two more goals in fifteen minutes. From that moment on, it was pure mastery by the team, which further increased the score to 5-0. A merely fantastic achievement that these players have accomplished, as Grêmio are a very strong team that won the title two years ago and. It was supposed to be a tough battle, but Flamengo made it seem that way.
Since the 1981 Libertadores edition, when Flamengo won the competition with none other than Zico, we haven't seen the Rubro-Negro in the finals.
Now they will face River Plate, South America's best team in recent years. Without a doubt, we will see one of the best duels of this century: On the one hand, the Brazilian team that has Gabriel Barbosa, Giorgian de Arrascaeta and Bruno Henrique, with Portuguese Jorge Jesus as a coach. On the other, hand we have the Argentines with Ignacio Fernandez, Exequiel Palacios, Rafael Borre and their already legendary coach Marcelo Gallardo. It will be a duel of two great managers, with the two best squads in all of South America. However, in a depressing attempt by CONMEBOL to copy the UEFA Champions League final, the Libertadores final will now be played as a one-game, winner takes all setup, in a neutral stadium. This year it will take place in Santiago, Chile.
Flamengo is also coming strong in the battle for the Brazilian Championship title: The team is ten points above second place and has not lost since the beginning of August. Since then, the team has improved their football, winning games against difficult opponents with extreme ease and presenting a playing style that is one of the most beautiful in recent memory.
If Flamengo would win both titles, the rest of the continent should be scared: As an organization that has many resources on and off the pitch, they have everything it takes to become a football monster in Brazil. With a lot of money to sign big players, the team must further reinforce an already great squad, but whose main shortcoming is the substitute players. Another critical point would be the status of the beloved coach, Jorge Jesus. The Portuguese is already an idol for the fans and has managed to assemble a team that obtains results consistently and playing captivating football, a rare feat in the Brazilian league. If he stays, the sky is the limit.
However, the biggest winners are the Chilean citizens, who will be able to attend this breathtaking game on November 23rd. They can also expect an invasion of many Flamengo fans. One of the largest fan-bases in the world, who are infamous for never abandoning their club, even in desperate times. So imagine what will happen on this occasion.
-- Vitor Buratini Mendes
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While in the Brazilian derby, Flamengo came out as clear winners, in Argentina all eyes were set on La Bombonera, for another battle between Boca Juniors and River Plate in the semifinals 2nd leg.
In a game that didn't rise to a high level of football, Boca managed to win 1-0 with a goal by Venezuelan forward Jan Hurtado. This victory wasn't enough for Los Bosteros, as River won the first leg 2-0.
Despite the disappointment, the atmosphere in one of the toughest neighbourhoods in Buenos Aires was festive, as Boca fans know that for the time being, as long as Marcelo Gallardo is the coach of their bitter rivals, they won't overcome River Plate. Especially not in a knockout competition.
Marcelo Gallardo has qualified to his fourth Libertadores final as a coach, looking to win his ninth continental silverware as River Plate's gaffer.
It won't be easy, though. Flamengo has a stronger squad than River on paper, and also in the coaching side, Portuguese Jorge Jesus is a problematic and unpredictable opponent.
The first one-legged final in the history of Copa Libertadores is supposed to take place in Santiago, Chile, that is currently in turbulent times with massive protests against the regime's financial policy. In the Chilean capital city, there's a curfew every night starting from 22:00. This fact raises some questions about the possibility of the match to take place there.
Besides, a one-match final in a continent such as South America is not durable. Many fans will struggle to travel, and the atmosphere will not be the regular 'Libertadores way'. Just picture a mistake by a Paraguayan or Chilean referee that favours one of the two teams - it is a recipe for disaster
This way or another, one thing is sure: Flamengo against River Plate is a game between the two most dominant teams in South America at the moment. It doesn't necessarily mean that it would produce an excellent view for new spectators, but it will include great sacrificing instincts, physicality and blood.
-- Uri Levy