Atlético Mineiro vs Botafogo Prediction: Who will lift the trophy?

Two Brazilian teams will meet in Argentina for the 65th final of the Copa Libertadores. Atlético Mineiro and Botafogo will fight for South America's most desired trophy. Whoever wins will guarantee qualification for the new FIFA World Club Cup, to be held in the United States in 2025. Atlético won the competition in 2013, while this will be Botafogo's first final.

The Rooster reached the final after eight wins, two draws, and two defeats. In the knock-out rounds, Atlético eliminated San Lorenzo, Fluminense, and River Plate. The Miners won five of their six group games and were the second-best team with the most points in this stage. The Belo Horizonte club's season was inconsistent, with a disappointing campaign in the Brasileirão. However, Atlético reached the Copa do Brasil final, which it lost, and the Copa Libertadores final. This season will be unforgettable regardless of the outcome of the Buenos Aires final.

The Lone Star Club's path to the final was much more complicated than that of Atlético Mineiro. Botafogo had to play in the qualifying rounds to reach the group stage, and after that, the Rio side recorded five wins, four draws, and three defeats. Botafogo eliminated Palmeiras, São Paulo, and Peñarol in the knock-out rounds. The matches between Brazilian clubs were the most complicated, as Palmeiras was one of the favorites to win the competition, and Botafogo only managed to beat São Paulo on penalties. The Cariocas won away against Palmeiras this week and took a big step toward winning the Brasileirão title. Confidence is high, and the fans of Garrincha's club dream of winning both trophies.

Botafogo is performing better than Atlético Mineiro this season and is close to becoming the champion of Brazil, which is why bookmakers consider it the favorite. In the league, the Glorious beat Palmeiras this week, second in the table, and is confident for the final, although its players may be a little more tired than the Miners. Botafogo has a more valuable squad, but Atlético has dangerous attacking players who can decide a game. In the two meetings between the two sides this year, Botafogo won 3-0 at home, and in Belo Horizonte, the game ended 0-0. I'm betting that Botafogo will win the Copa Libertadores.