The Copa Libertadores finals are more than football matches; they are spectacles full of passion, drama, and often controversy, which define the history of football in South America. In this article, we will analyze the most memorable clashes, including the legendary “Final of All Time” between River Plate and Boca Juniors in Madrid (2018) and Flamengo’s miraculous comeback in the final minutes of the match in Lima (2019).
We will also take a look at the historic penalty shootout that gave the title to LDU Quito, as well as the era of dominance of Pelé and Neymar in the colors of Santos. This is a compendium of knowledge for every football fan seeking the essence of Latin temperament on the pitch.
Why is the 2018 River Plate vs Boca Juniors final considered the most important in history?
This final, known as the “Superclásico del Siglo,” is considered the most important because for the first time in history the eternal rivals — River Plate and Boca Juniors — faced each other in the battle for the trophy. Due to fan riots, the second leg was moved to Madrid, which gave it an unprecedented global dimension and ended with a dramatic 3–1 River Plate victory after extra time.
The 2018 final is a scenario worthy of the best thriller screenwriters. Copa Libertadores finals rarely attract such attention in Europe, but this clash paralyzed the entire football world. The first match at La Bombonera ended in a 2–2 draw, which only intensified the atmosphere before the rematch. However, what happened next went down in infamous history: the bus carrying Boca Juniors players was attacked by River fans, and several players (including captain Pablo Pérez) were injured.
CONMEBOL made an unprecedented decision — the second leg was moved to the Santiago Bernabéu in Madrid. The match became a global event. On the pitch, the drama reached its peak. Boca took the lead through a goal by Darío Benedetto, but River equalized thanks to Lucas Pratto. Everything was decided in extra time and by the introduction of Juan Fernando Quintero. His phenomenal long-range strike in the 109th minute broke the hearts of Xeneizes fans. The final blow was delivered by Pity Martínez, running toward an empty net in the last action of the match, creating one of the most iconic images of the tournament. This victory granted River Plate “eternal glory” in the eyes of their supporters.
Key facts about the 2018 final:
- Aggregate score: River Plate 5 – 3 Boca Juniors (2:2, 3:1 after extra time).
- Location of the second leg: Santiago Bernabéu, Madrid (outside South America).
- Heroes: Juan Fernando Quintero (goal for 2–1) and Pity Martínez.
- Significance: The first and only final between these two giants in the history of the two-leg format.
How did Flamengo turn the tide of the 2019 final against River Plate in the last minutes?
In the first final in history played as a single match on neutral ground, Flamengo were losing 0–1 until the 89th minute. The Brazilians, however, achieved the impossible when Gabriel “Gabigol” Barbosa scored two goals within three minutes, giving his club the title after a 38-year drought.
The year 2019 brought a revolution — an end to two-legged finals. The match in Lima (Peru) was to determine the winner within 90 minutes. For most of the game, it was River Plate, the defending champions, who controlled the match, leading after a goal by Rafael Santos Borré. Marcelo Gallardo’s team tactically dominated Flamengo, coached by Jorge Jesus. The Brazilians looked helpless, and the trophy seemed to be slowly heading into Argentine hands.
However, football in South America teaches that a match ends only after the final whistle. In the 89th minute, Bruno Henrique initiated a play finished off by Gabigol, making it 1–1. River Plate, stunned, made a defensive mistake just 180 seconds later. In the 92nd minute, Barbosa found the net again, winning a physical battle with the defenders. Copa Libertadores finals rarely see such drastic plot twists in stoppage time. This victory not only confirmed the dominance of Brazilian clubs but also built the legend of Gabigol, who at that moment became the “King of Rio.”
Key facts about the 2019 final:
- Score: Flamengo 2 – 1 River Plate.
- Goal scorer: Gabriel Barbosa (89’, 90+2’).
- Venue: Estadio Monumental, Lima.
- Fun fact: It was Flamengo’s first title since the era of Zico in 1981.
Was the LDU Quito vs Fluminense 2008 final the biggest upset in the history of the tournament?
Yes, the 2008 final is considered one of the biggest surprises, because LDU Quito became the first (and so far only) club from Ecuador to win the Copa Libertadores. They defeated the favored Fluminense at the legendary Maracanã in a penalty shootout, despite a hat-trick by Thiago Neves for the hosts.
This clash is the definition of a “David vs Goliath” battle, with the added factor of altitude. In the first leg in Quito, played at high elevation, LDU confidently won 4–2, taking advantage of the difficult conditions for the visitors. The second leg at the Maracanã, however, was expected to be a mere formality for the star-studded Fluminense.
The Brazilians launched an all-out attack. Thiago Neves played the match of his life, scoring a hat-trick (the first and only player ever to do so in a final). The match ended 3–1 for Fluminense, which meant a draw on aggregate (the away-goals rule was not used in finals at the time) and extra time. Everything was decided by penalties. The hero was LDU goalkeeper José Francisco Cevallos, who saved as many as three penalties, including the decisive one, giving Ecuador a historic triumph. The sight of a silenced Maracanã, filled with 86 thousand people, remains one of the most powerful images in the history of South American football.
Key facts about the 2008 final:
- Aggregate score: LDU Quito 5 – 5 Fluminense (LDU won 3–1 on penalties).
- Man of the match: José Cevallos (LDU goalkeeper).
- Record: Thiago Neves is the only player to score a hat-trick in a Copa Libertadores final.
- Uniqueness: The first triumph for a club from Ecuador.
Which Copa Libertadores final had the most dramatic penalty shootout?
This refers to the 1989 final between Colombian Atlético Nacional and Paraguayan Olimpia Asunción. The penalty shootout required as many as 18 kicks, and the legendary goalkeeper René Higuita saved four of them, giving Colombia its first-ever Libertadores Cup.
The 1989 final took place in the shadow of Colombia’s difficult political and social situation, which added weight to the match. Olimpia won the first leg at home 2–0 and seemed certain of victory. However, in the second leg in Bogotá (Atlético could not play in Medellín due to stadium capacity), the Colombians recovered and brought the aggregate to 2–2.
What happened in the penalty shootout was pure chaos and drama. Both teams repeatedly squandered chances to finish the match. René Higuita, known for his eccentric style, saved shots from the opponents, but his teammates failed to put the finishing touch, sending the ball into the stands or at the Olimpia goalkeeper. Only Leonel Álvarez converted the ninth penalty for his team, ending the nightmare. This final is often recalled as proof of the immense psychological pressure on players fighting for this trophy.
Key facts about the 1989 final:
- Match-up: Atlético Nacional vs Olimpia Asunción.
- Penalty shootout: 5–4 for Atlético (after 9 rounds of kicks).
- Key figure: René Higuita (legendary goalkeeper).
- Historic moment: The first Libertadores Cup for Colombia.
How did the Santos vs Peñarol 2011 final influence Neymar’s career?
The 2011 final was the moment of coronation for the young Neymar as a new global superstar. By scoring the opening goal in the second leg and leading Santos to their first title since the Pelé era, he proved he was ready to play at the highest European level.
For years, Santos lived in the shadow of Pelé’s legend, who won the trophy in the 1960s. In 2011, the hopes of an entire nation rested on the shoulders of teenage Neymar and his partner Ganso. Their opponent was the tough Uruguayan side Peñarol — a synonym of grit and defensive play known as garra charrúa.
After a goalless draw in Montevideo, the second leg at Pacaembu in São Paulo was a showcase of Brazilian Joga Bonito. Neymar opened the scoring in the 47th minute with a low shot inside the post, sending the stands into euphoria. Danilo made it 2–0, and the consolation goal for the Uruguayans (an own goal by Durval) didn’t change the outcome. For Neymar, it was a stamp of quality — he showed he could take responsibility in the biggest matches under immense pressure. Soon afterward, he moved to FC Barcelona. The match also ended in a massive post-game brawl on the pitch, which only highlighted the heated nature of Copa Libertadores finals.
Key facts about the 2011 final:
- Aggregate score: Santos 2 – 1 Peñarol.
- Key moment: Neymar’s goal for 1–0 in the second leg.
- Historical significance: Santos’ third title (first since 1963).
- Incidents: A post-match brawl involving players from both teams.
Why did the Boca Juniors vs Palmeiras 2000 final change the balance of power in South America?
This final marked the beginning of the “Golden Era” of Boca Juniors under coach Carlos Bianchi. The Argentines defeated the defending champions, Palmeiras, on their own ground after a penalty shootout, demonstrating tactical maturity and starting a hegemony that brought them 4 titles within a decade.
At the turn of the century, Brazilian clubs appeared to dominate both financially and athletically. Palmeiras, with stars such as Alex and Faustino Asprilla, were defending their title. The first match in Buenos Aires ended in a 2–2 draw, with a brace from Rodolfo Arruabarrena for Boca. Experts favored Palmeiras in the second leg at Morumbi.
However, Boca Juniors played a tactically perfect match. Juan Román Riquelme controlled the tempo, neutralizing the Brazilian attacks. The match ended 0–0, which meant penalties. In the shootout, Colombian goalkeeper Óscar Córdoba shone, and Boca’s players were flawless. This victory became the foundation for building a dynasty — Carlos Bianchi proved that discipline and character (the famous Argentine huevos) could triumph over technical virtuosity.
Key facts about the 2000 final:
- Match-up: Boca Juniors vs Palmeiras.
- Decision: Penalty shootout (4–2 for Boca) after 2–2 and 0–0 draws.
- Key figures: Juan Román Riquelme, Óscar Córdoba, Martín Palermo.
- Consequences: The beginning of Boca Juniors’ dominance from 2000 to 2007.
What was the drama behind the “third match” between Peñarol and River Plate in 1966?
At that time, when the points were tied, a third match was played on neutral ground. River Plate were already leading 2–0, only to eventually lose 2–4 in extra time. It was after this match that the pejorative nickname “Gallinas” (Chickens), symbolizing a lack of mental resilience in key moments, became attached to River.
The 1966 final is a retro classic. Peñarol won 2–0 at home, and River responded with a 3–2 victory in Buenos Aires. The decisive clash took place in Santiago de Chile. The Argentines played brilliantly, leading 2–0 at halftime. It seemed certain that the trophy would travel to Buenos Aires.
In the second half, however, an inexplicable collapse occurred. The Uruguayans, known for their relentlessness, equalized to 2–2, forcing extra time. There, River Plate completely fell apart, conceding two more goals (scored by Spencer and Rocha). Copa Libertadores finals rarely witness such a spectacular “letting victory slip away.” This defeat weighed on River Plate for decades, becoming part of their identity and motivation for later triumphs (such as those in 1986, 1996, and 2015).
Key facts about the 1966 final:
- Result of the third match: Peñarol 4 – 2 River Plate (after extra time).
- Match flow: From 0–2 to 4–2.
- Legacy: Birth of the nickname “Gallinas” for River Plate.
- Star: Alberto Spencer (the all-time top scorer of the competition).
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions About Copa Libertadores Finals
Which club has won the most Copa Libertadores finals?
The record holder is the Argentine club Independiente, which has won the Copa Libertadores 7 times (most recently in 1984) and — interestingly — has never lost a final match. Right behind them are Boca Juniors with 6 titles and the Uruguayan club Peñarol with 5 trophies.
Is the away-goals rule used in the Copa Libertadores final?
No, the final is currently played as a single match on neutral ground (a rule introduced in 2019). In the event of a draw, extra time is played, followed by penalties. During the era of two-legged finals, the away-goals rule was also not used for most of the competition’s history — the winner was determined first by points, and later by goal difference.
Why was the 2018 Copa Libertadores final played in Madrid?
The decision by CONMEBOL was dictated by safety concerns. Before the scheduled second leg at the El Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires, the bus carrying the Boca Juniors team was brutally attacked by River Plate hooligans. As a result, several players were injured, and the match was deemed impossible to play in Argentina while maintaining acceptable safety standards.
What is the main difference between the Copa Libertadores final and the Champions League final?
The main difference lies in the atmosphere and style of play. South American finals are characterized by greater physicality, more frequent interruptions, and fanatical support in the stands unmatched in Europe (tifos, pyrotechnics). Additionally, since 2019 the final has been a single match on neutral ground, making the format more similar to the Champions League, but the distances fans must travel in South America are significantly larger.
