Flamengo 2-1 River: Gabigol brace lifts Flamengo to 2nd Copa Libertadores glory

Gabriel ‘Gabigol’ Barbosa scored an incredible late brace for Flamengo to beat River Plate 2-1 and win the Copa Libertadores.

Match Report

The Brazilians had been trailing in Lima after an early Rafael Santos Borre strike into the corner, making the most of sluggish defending.

River Plate dominated the first half, but Flamengo came back fighting after the break.

It wasn’t until the 89th minute that they managed to equalise through Gabigol, who pounced on Pratto giving the ball away cheaply.

Moments later, Flamengo and Gabigol had turned it around completely, this time rapaciously intercepting a Pinola header.

The drama wasn’t over, because Palacios saw red for a scuffle and Gabigol was also sent off in chaotic scenes.

It means the 23-year-old striker, on loan from Inter, concludes the season with 31 goals in 39 competitive games for Flamengo.

He scored nine in 12 Copa Libertadores matches to get Flamengo the title in unexpected way.

Match Events

14' GOAL! Flamengo 0-1 River Plate (Borre)

Great play from Ignacio Fernandez to set up the goal.

36' CLOSE! Palacios' long shot inches wide

58' MISS! Barbosa and Ribeiro's shot stopped

89' GOAL! Flamengo 1-1 River Plate (Gabriel Barbosa)

Gabriel Barbosa equalises in the Copa Libertadores final with just one minute left to play!

90+2' GOAL! Flamengo 2-1 River Plate (Gabriel Barbosa)

Gabigol's second goal in four minutes and Flamengo have surely won it in the most dramatic of finales!

90+5' RED CARD! Gabriel Barbosa and Palacios sent off.

It's a dramatic finish as Exequiel Palacios kicks Henrique while he's on the ground.

And then Barbosa, the match winner (probably), also sees red for a sarcastic burst of applause!

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