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Champion: What Fluminense’s first Copa Libertadores trophy means

The 2-1 victory over Boca Juniors at Maracanã changes the history of the century-old Rio de Janeiro club and also impacts the lives of some of its characters
by
Bruno Freitas
2023-11-05 01:20:10
Image
Image Credits: © (Conmebol)

The dramatic victory against Boca Juniors at the Maracanã stadium, a true world football temple, means the highest moment in the 121-year history of Fluminense Football Club. This was the Rio de Janeiro club’s first victory in the Copa Libertadores, a tournament created back in 1960.

Fluminense’s triumph this Saturday only happened in extra time, in a noisy and super colorful environment, at Maracanã divided by its passionate fans.

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Top scorer in the 2023 edition of the Libertadores, Argentine Germán Cano put Fluminense ahead in the first half with a perfect finish. After the break Luis Advíncula scored for Boca Juniors with a beatiful mid-range shot. Finally, in extra time, John Kennedy scored the goal that guaranteed the Brazilians the trophy.

Fluminense’s victory in their city means a lot for Brazilian football and for some players. Check it out:

1 – Fluminense fans have always been tormented by their rivals for the lack of an international trophy. The situation was difficult especially in Rio de Janeiro, where the club’s followers have to live with rivals from Flamengo (three-time Libertadores champion) and Vasco (once champion).

2 – Fluminense is a historic Brazilian football club, owner of the ground where the National Team played the first game in its history in 1914. The Rio de Janeiro club has also had some Seleção historic players, such as Didi, Rivellino, Gérson and Branco.

3 – The Libertadores trophy is the most important achievement of coach Fernando Diniz‘s career. South American success could give more confidence to the man who is currently in charge for the Brazilian National Team.

4 – The victory in the Conmebol tournament gives Fluminense the chance to play in the FIFA Club World Cup. The Brazilian team is guaranteed in the semi-final and will face the winner of a bracket that includes Al Ittihad (Saudi Arabia), Auckland City (New Zealand) and Al Ahly (Egypt). The biggest dream is to face European champions Manchester City in the final. The tournament takes place in December in Saudi Arabia.

5 – The victory in the Libertadores also means a financial boost for Fluminense. The Rio de Janeiro club will pocket a prize pool of US$ 27.1 million as champion of the Conmebol tournament.

6 – Left-back Marcelo became the 18th player in history to win both the Copa Libertadores and the Champions League. Before triumphing in South America, the player had already won the European tournament on five occasions.

7 – Goalkeeper Fabio became the oldest player to win the Copa Libertadores, at 43 years, one month and five days. The player had already lost a tournament final, in 2009, when he played for Cruzeiro.

8 – Fluminense became the 11th Brazilian club to win the Libertadores. The list also includes Santos, São Paulo, Palmeiras, Grêmio and Flamengo (3 trophies), Internacional and Cruzeiro (2 trophies), as well as Corinthians, Vasco and Atlético Mineiro (one trophy).

9 – After Fluminense’s title, Brazil reaches 23 trophies in the Libertadores, just two less than Argentina (25). Brazilian clubs have won the tournament last five editions.

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