A pandemic put it in check, Europe could reconquer America, a millionaire prize, and the Peixe 90 minutes away from graduating as a patron of Brazil. The final between Santos and Palmeiras on Saturday (15:00 Ecuador time) at the Maracaná stadium could leave several milestones in the Copa Libertadores.
1. Virus and empty stadiums
The pandemic caused an unprecedented suspension of the South American tournament. On March 12, Conmebol announced the suspension of the Libertadores due to the onslaught of Covid-19, which was beginning to hit South America.
By then, two rounds of the group stage had been played, leaving memorable matches: the 0-0 draw in the Porto Alegre derby between Gremio and Internacional, which ended with eight expulsions, or the 8-0 victory of River Plate over Peruvian Binacional.
The ball started rolling again on September 15, although with the vibrant South American fans far away from the stands.
The final at the mythical Maracaná stadium in Rio de Janeiro will be without an audience, although Conmebol estimated that around 5,000 people will be present, including referees, players, coaches, assistants, managers, operational staff, security, technicians, journalists, accredited sponsors, and special guests.
2. Third Brazilian final
The São Paulo derby between Santos and Palmeiras will be the third Brazilian final in the Libertadores. The first one was in 2005, when Athletico Paranaense and São Paulo clashed, with São Paulo victorious.
The second one was in the following edition, in 2006, between São Paulo and Internacional, with Internacional as the winner.
There is only one other precedent of a final between teams from the same country: the Argentine superclásico River-Boca, in 2018, which was played in Madrid. River Plate lifted the trophy.
3. European reconquest?
If Palmeiras wins, Portuguese coach Abel Ferreira will become the third European coach to win the South American trophy.
His compatriot Jorge Jesus won it with Flamengo in the previous edition. Croatian Mirko Jozic was the first one, in 1991, with Chilean Colo-Colo. The other 58 editions were won by South American coaches.
4. For the double crown
Alexi Stival Cuca could sit in an exclusive chair: the one of the thirteen coaches with two or more Libertadores in their trophy cabinet.
Santos' coach won his first title with Atlético Mineiro alongside Ronaldinho in 2013. Four of his compatriots achieved that feat as well: Lula with Santos of Pelé (1962, 1963), Telê Santana with São Paulo (1992, 1993), Paulo Autuori with Cruzeiro (1997) and São Paulo (2005), and Luiz Felipe Scolari with Grêmio (1995) and Palmeiras (1999).
The most successful coach, from the sidelines, is the Argentine Carlos Bianchi: three with Boca Juniors and one with Vélez Sarsfield.
5. Record prize
The winner of the 61st edition of the Libertadores will receive 15 million dollars, the highest amount in the history of the competition, according to Conmebol President Alejandro Domínguez.
The champion will receive a total of 22 million dollars, if the prizes received throughout the competition are added.
6. Historic broadcast
The final will be broadcast in 191 countries, a milestone for South American football, according to Conmebol. The match will also be available on commercial flights and cruises.
7. Brazilian four-time champion
Peixe could become the first Brazilian team to win the Libertadores four times. Santos won the titles in 1962, 1963, and 2011, and is tied with São Paulo and Grêmio as the highest winners from Brazil.
If they win, they will still be far behind the biggest winner, the Argentine Independiente de Avellaneda, with seven titles. Boca Juniors is in second place with six, followed by Uruguay's Peñarol with five.
8. Third Venezuelan
Unless there is an unforeseen event, Santos' number 10, Yeferson Soteldo, will be the third Venezuelan to play in a Libertadores final. The 23-year-old agile attacker, an international with the Venezuelan national team, is a key player in Cuca's lineup.
Soteldo will join goalkeeper Rafael Dudamel, runner-up with Colombian Deportivo Cali in 1999, and midfielder Alejandro Lobo Guerra, champion with Atlético Nacional de Medellín in 2016.
(D)