GUAYAQUIL: Flamengo, beaten in last year’s Copa Libertadores final by fellow Brazilians Palmeiras, made amends by defeating Atletico Paranaense with a goal from Gabigo l in first-half stoppage time. The expulsion of Pedro Henrique for a double yellow card five minutes earlier had opened the way for Flamengo to win their third Libertadores.

The victory of the men from Dorival Júnior ended the dominance of Palmeiras, champions in the last two editions, but not that of Brazilian footbsall. There have now been three consecutive finals between teams from Rio de Janeiro.

This time it was the Ecuadorian city of Guayaquil in charge of hosting the Brazilian party. With this victory, Flamengo tieD with Sao Paulo, Santos, Palmeiras and Gremio as the Brazilian teams with the most Libertadores triumphs.

Gabigol was the hero of Flamengo’s 2019 victory against River Plate when he scoed twice in the closing minutes of the final. He also scored when Flamengo lost to Palmeiras in 2021.

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