Argentinian side Boca Juniors will go head-to-head with Brazilian outfit Fluminense in the final of the Copa Libertadores. Boca Juniors are looking to become seven-time winners of South America’s biggest club competition, while Fluminense are aiming to lift the trophy for the first time in their history. Boca Juniors have experienced quite the journey to reach the Copa Libertadores final for the first time since finishing runners-up to bitter rivals River Plate in 2018.
Fluminense have only ever appeared in a Copa Libertadores final on one previous occasion when they lost on penalties to Ecuadorian side LDU Quito in 2008. Having been made to wait 15 years, Fluminense are back in the biggest game in the South American football calendar, as they look to become the 11th different Brazilian side to win the competition. Not only do Fluminense have the chance to win their first Copa Libertadores final, but they can achieve the feat in their home stadium, the iconic Maracana in Rio de Janeiro.
Boca Juniors are unable to call upon the services of Exequiel Zeballos, who is sidelined with an anterior cruciate ligament injury, while former Man United defender Marcos Rojo is suspended after being sent off in the semi-final second leg against Palmeiras. Dario Benedetto missed last Saturday’s goalless draw with Estudiantes, but the forward should shake off a knock to take his place on the bench for the final.
Boca Juniors go into final with hopes of winning the competition for the first time since 2007, and a successful outing would see them move level with record winners Independiente as seven-time champions.
As for the Brazilian side, they remain without long-term absentee Jorge, but they are set to welcome Felipe Melo and Nino back into the matchday squad. Defender Samuel Xavier is available to start Saturday’s showpiece event after serving a one-match suspension in the second leg of Fluminense’s semi-final win over Internacional. After netting 12 goals in the Copa Libertadores this season, Cano is the leading scorer in the 2023 competition, and he will be key to Fluminense’s chances of claiming a famous victory.
While Boca Juniors may be one of the most successful clubs in the competition’s history, they have lost their last two Copa Libertadores finals, and with the showpiece event taking place at Fluminense’s home ground, a win for the Brazilian side may be written in the stars.
