Fullback 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 in the final at Maracana Stadium, Fluminense’s home stadium. In the 36th minute, after Keno’s low cross, German Cano connected to open the score. The 35-year-old Argentine striker scored his 82nd goal in 126 matches for the Brazilian club.
After the break, Boca Juniors regained the game. In the 72nd minute, right back Luis Advincula ran across the middle, then kicked 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 to extra time.
Marcelo lifted the Copa Libertadores, after the final match Fluminense won 2-1 against Boca Juniors on the evening of November 4 at Maracana Stadium, Brazil. Photo: AFP
In the 99th minute, Fluminense scored the decisive goal. After Keno’s header, John Kenedy volleyed the ball from 16 meters into Boca Juniors’ net. Immediately after that, John Kennedy received a second yellow card. However, Fluminense still defended the 2-1 score. Minute 105+7, Boca Juniors defender Frank Fabra received a direct red card.
Fluminense won the Copa Libertadores for the first time, the most prestigious club-level Cup in South America. And Marcelo became the 15th player to win both the Champions League and Copa Libertadores. Before that, the 35-year-old left-back 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 directly entered the semi-finals of the FIFA Club World Cup 2023. In the qualifying match on December 12, home team Al Ittihad will meet the Oceania champion, Auckland City. The winner of this pair will advance to the quarter-finals against African champions, Al Ahly on December 15. Then, the winner of the quarterfinals will meet Fluminense on December 18.
In the other bracket, Asian champions Urawa Red Diamonds will meet CONCACAF champions Club Leon. The winner of this pair will advance to the semi-finals against Man City . The FIFA Club World Cup final will take place on December 22.
