The Mengao prevails over the Ath. Paranaense 1-0, with a goal by Gabigol, and become champion for the third time
The expulsion of Pedro Henrique, in the first half, ended the title options of Luiz Felipe Scolari’s team
Flamengo met the predictions and won the 2002 Copa Libertadores final. There is no possible debate, they have the best squad on the continent and have been, by far, the best team throughout the entire competition. In Guayaquil, he defeated a combative Ath. Paranaense 1-0, with a goal from Gabigol before the break. He showed that he has more experience and carats to face and manage games to the limit. He is the undisputed king of South America.
DATA SHEET
Final Copa Libertadores de América 2022
FLA
ATP
LINEUPS
flamingo
Santos, Rodinei, David Luiz, Leo Pereira, Filipe Luís, (Ayrton Lucas, 20′) Thiago Maia (Arturo Vidal, 71′), Joao Gomes, Everton Ribeiro, Arrascaeta (Victor Hugo, 84′), Pedro and Gabigol (Everton Cebolinha, 83′).
Athletico Paranaense
Bento, Khellven, Pedro Henrique, Thiago Heleno, Abner, Fenandinho, Hugo Moura (Terans, 75′), Alex Santana (M. Felipe, 45′), Vitor Bueno (Cannobio, 57′), Vitinho and Vitor Roque (Pablo, 65′).
Referee
Patricio Loustau (Argentina). TA Pedro Henrique (28′ and 43′), Alex Santana (42′), Rómulo (73′), Arturo Vidal (75′).
Incidents
Monumental Stadium, in Guayaquil (Ecuador)
The third consecutive final between Brazilians was mediated by the expulsion of Pedro Henrique, due to a double warning, together before the Rio de Janeiro goal. Until then, Luiz Felipe Scolari’s team had been superior with a good defensive system and biting up front.
The title confirms the golden age of a Mengao which adds its third continental crown, the second crown since 2019, with a sequence of three finals (with three different coaches) in the last four seasons.
The generation formed by Gabigol, Arrasceta, Everton Ribeiro, Filipe Luiz and company has already entered the history of rubronegros and can compete, at the level of titles and successes, with that of Zico and Junior in the 90’s.
Furacao, who had ended Palmeiras’ two-year reign, will have to wait for another opportunity. He fell with dignity in his second continental final, as had happened in 2005 against Sao Paulo. And, in both, he was Fernandinho that personifies the spirit of delivery and the cupbearer condition of those from Curitiba.
SCOLARI WON THE TACTICAL BATTLE
Felipao, old cat, surprised with a defensive system of individual marking with which he annulled the red and black stars. Furacao started much better and had the first half under control. Vitor Roque, Vitinho and Alex Santana enjoyed three clear chances, but they found Santos, under the sticks, very safe.
As had happened a year ago in the Montevideo final, Filipe Luis had to leave the pitch prematurelyon this occasion, due to a clash with Vitor Roque.
GOAL AND EXPULSION
The final was where Scolari wanted it until… center back Pedro Henrique saw the second yellow card (min 43). And there it all ended. The expulsion was rigorous in the context of a game played, until then, without violent actions.
Furacao was left stunned, stunned seeing that the final was getting very uphill. In a few minutes of general confusion, the ‘Fla’ smelled blood and did not forgive. In a good combination, Éverton Ribeiro (who will go to the World Cup instead of Philipppe Coutinho) took a good cross from the right that Gabigol caught at the far post. A dagger in discount time that ruined the hopes of those from Curitiba.
Gabigoldecisive in Flamengo’s great occasions, scored for the third time in a Copa Libertadores final.
THE FLAMENGO ADMINISTERED
With numerical superiority, the Mengao knew how to face the second half in which he silenced an Ath. Paranaense without legs and tactical arguments to react.
Felipao’s carousel of changes did not obtain the desired results. There was too much difference. The tactical advantage of Flamengo, who slept the game, was unquestionable.
Arturo Vidal had his chance. He came out for a good Thiago Maia and finally, at the age of 35, he won his first continental club title. With Chile, he had won the Copa América on occasions, in 2015 and 2016.