DPA
Berlin
Botafogo have set-up an all-Brazilian duel against Atletico Mineiro as they reached their first-ever Copa Libertadores final despite a 3-1 defeat to Uruguay’s Penarol on Wednesday evening.
Penarol’s efforts were not enough since the Brazilians had won the first match in Rio de Janeiro last week 5-0 and, therefore, took the chance to rest some of their starters.
The final will take place on November 30 inBuenos Aires.
"The main goal was completely achieved, which was reaching the final, a historic milestone,” Botafogo coach Artur Jorget said.
"That’s what has to be highlighted, the fact that this group of players managed to put Botafogo in a Libertadores final for the first time. It’s a group of athletes that will be part of the club’s history,” he added.
Botafogo have won the Brazilian league in 1968 and 1995, and have produced some of the national team’s greatest stars, such as Garrincha, Nilton Santos, Zagallo and Jairzinho, all of them helping Brazil winning World Cup titles between 1958 and 1970.
Last season, Botafogo were set to claim their first league title since 1995, but constant change of coaches caused them to collapse, finishing fifth. They currently top this season’s standings, three points ahead of defending champions Palmeiras.