The Alvinegro dominated the Uruguayans in the second half.
Botafogo thrashed Peñarol 5-0 last Wednesday at Nilton Santos and is very close to reaching the Copa Libertadores final. The goals were scored by Savarino (twice), Barboza, Luiz Henrique, and Igor Jesus. Get the most accurate football results at live scores app.
The Uruguayans came to Rio de Janeiro with a strategy similar to their game against Flamengo in the quarterfinals, opting to sit back and exploit counterattacks to secure a favorable result for the return leg in Montevideo. This strategy worked in the first half, as the team led by Diego Aguirre faced little threat and even had chances to take the lead, aided by time-wasting tactics and leniency from the referee.
However, in the second half, Botafogo demonstrated why they are one of the favorites to win the competition. Dominating the field, Artur Jorge’s team delivered a masterclass in football during the final 45 minutes and gained a lead that is unlikely to be overturned next week. Just five minutes in, Savarino opened the scoring; four minutes later, Barboza doubled the lead from a corner; and five minutes after that, Savarino scored again.
In just nine minutes, Peñarol, stunned, could only watch as the home team played. But there was more to come. At 22 minutes, Luiz Henrique scored with an incredible chip shot for the fourth goal, and six minutes later, Igor Jesus capped off the scoring. Even with a 5-0 lead, Botafogo continued to attack and had chances to increase their advantage further.
With this result, the Rio team can afford to lose by up to four goals next week in Montevideo and still secure a spot in the final of the continent’s premier club tournament for the first time in their history. Stay on top of the game with BB Score.
