🏆 Flamengo edge 10-man Athletico Paranaense to win Copa Libertadores | OneFootball

Flamengo won the Copa Libertadores on Saturday after a 1-0 victory over Athletico Paranaense.

Scorers: Gabriel Barbosa 45+3′

With the title on the line, the match was a nervy contest across 90 minutes with one moment leading to an eventual champion.

Flamengo were the side more dominant on the ball, maintaining 70% possession during the first half but struggled to break down Athletico Paranaense’s determined defence.

Poor finishing also proved to be a narrative for both sides with only four efforts on target combined during the 45 minutes.

Eventually, the breakthrough would come right before half-time thanks to a controversial decision from the referee.

Pedro Henqriue was handed a second yellow and subsequently sent off leaving Athletico Paranaense down to 10 with 45 minutes of football still to come.

Flamengo then immediately made the most of the advantage and Gabriel Barbosa steered home Éverton Ribeiro’s cross into the box for 1-0.

He has now tied Luizão as the greatest Brazilian scorer in competition history with 29 goals to his name and has scored in three finals.

Coming into the second half the determined defence from Athletico Paranaense continued to stifle Flamengo despite being a man short.

As the clock counted down both sides pushed to find the net but the game continued to be a chess match on the pitch.

And despite five minutes of stoppage time, neither side could find the net again with Flamengo holding on for their third-ever title to go alongside their earlier Copa do Brasil triumph only a few days ago.