Atletico Mineiro vs Botafogo Predictions

• Atletico Mineiro reached the final in style, beating River Plate 3-0 over two legs, while Botafogo lost their semi-final second leg 3-1 to Penarol
• Atletico Mineiro have greater experience than Botafogo in this competition, having made the last-16 last year and the quarter-finals in 2022
• Paulinho has scored seven goals in 11 Copa Libertadores appearances this year and bagged a brace in his last game for Atletico

Experience the key for Atletico Mineiro

Atletico Mineiro have the edge in terms of experience that could see them pull off a shock against Botafogo in Saturday’s Copa Libertadores Final.

The match, which will be held at Rover Plate’s Estadio Mas Monumental, was all set to feature the Buenos Aires club until Atletico took them apart in the first-leg of their semi-final last month.

Two goals from 33-year-old journeyman forward Deyverson, the first set up by ex-Porto star Hulk, and another by ex-Bayer Leverkusen flop Paulinho secured Atletico’s return to the South American showpiece after 11 years away.

The Rooster rely on Paulinho

This will be Botafogo’s first-ever Copa Libertadores Final and they are also involved in an intense battle to win the Brazilian Serie A title this year. It could all become too much for a young squad featuring Brazil international striker Igor Jesus and winger Luiz Henrique, who featured off the bench in his country’s recent World Cup qualifiers.

O Glorioso lost 3-1 in the second leg of their semi-final to Penarol, but had more than enough breathing space after a 5-0 win in the home leg. But their away results in this competition have been less convincing than Atletico’s.

Gabi Militao has a great blend of youth and experience in his Atletico ranks and the Rooster could cause the upset (according to the odds) with Paulinho a good pick for an anytime goal on Saturday.