Boca 1-2 Fluminense: summary, score, goals, highlights Copa Libertadores 2023 final

Fluminense win 2023 Libertadores

Fluminense were crowned champions of America for the first time in their history after defeating Boca Juniors in extra time. Fernando Diniz’s team can now boast of being the best in the continent thanks to the strikes from Cano and Kennedy as Brazil record their fifth successive Libertadores win. 

The first half of the Rio final played out as expected. Fluminense took the initiative as Boca sat back and were happy let the Brazilian team dictate the tempo of the game. The opening goal came on the 36th minute with German Cano striking to record his 13th game of the tournament.

Boca came out with more intent in the second period and eventually struck level with a long range hit from Peruvian international Advíncula.

Extra time beckoned and it was Flu sub Kennedy who became the hero and anti-hero as his sweet strike put El Tricolor ahead but his over exuberant celebration earned him a second yellow Flu were down to ten.

As the end of the first half of extra time beckoned, Fabra showed little intelligence when he struck Fluminense captain Nino and after a VAR check, the Boca man was red carded.

Boca threw the kitchen sink at the Flu goal but it wasn't to be. Fluminense are crowned champions of America for the first time ever and in only their second ever Libertadores final.

Fluminense: Champions of America

Marcelo in tears as he now adds a Libertadores medal to his Champions League wins with Real Madrid.

That's it.

Fluminense are the 2023 Copa Libertadores champions.

This is last chance saloon. 

Corner for Boca.

Charged down by Nino with Romero up too.

Taborda to hit the free.

Goes for goal but strikes the wall as Lima goes down with the impact.

Into the last minute of the 120.

Boca get a free. 

Cano is carded as the clock ticks down.

Boca win a corner and this delivery needs to be good. 

Nino charges the shot from Boca down but Fabio does well and gathers the Fernandez cross.

Tactics are off the table now as Boca still press and look for an opening.

Guga almost strokes the ball into the net but it strikes the post as Flu break and have men over.

Complete one way traffic now as Boca lay siege on the Flu goal.

This will be the status quo for the final minutes of the match.

Valdez on for Boca with Figal off.

Fabio saves well after a sweet strike from Taborda.

Ten minutes of the final remain.

Can Boca find the equaliser and take the game to a penalty shoot out ? 

Fine turn from Benedetto but just screws his shot wide.

The Flu keeper goes to ground and I'm not sure we'll too much flow in this final 15 minutes of action in Rio.

Ten men vs ten min and fifteen left.

Saracchi on for Boca Juniors as Fernandez is replaced.

Taborda on for Medina.

That brings an end to the first spell of extra time and what drama...

Flu goal, red card for Kennedy and then right at the end, Fabra strikes out at Nino and Boca too are down to ten men.

VAR now being checked and the yellow is cancelled and Fabra is off.

Things now swing back the way in favour of Flu.

Fabra gets a yellow and is a lucky man.

It was more a slap from Fabra rather than a punch and the Boca man could and should be red carded for that offence.

Big Boca appeal for a penalty as Fabra goes down in the box and tension breaks out now as a Flu player gets a punch,

That has to be a red card for the Boca player.

One minute of time to be added on.

One minute left in the first period of extra time

Flu lead in Rio

Kennedy is the hero and then villain for the Brazilian side.

What drama in the final.

Flu take the lead in the 99th minute and Kennedy is now off for a second yellow.

Kennedy is now red carded as he gets a yellow for celebrating his goal.

Flu now down to ten men with that card being his second yellow.

What a strike from the sub as he fires Flu in front.

Goooooooool.

Kennedy strikes to put Flu ahead.

Advincula has been the star player for Boca tonight irrespective of his goal but the Peruvian has been a livewire on the right flank.

The pace of the game has dipped slightly with tired legs taking their toll on the energy levels of both teams.

The Boca Juniors fans behind Romero's goal making all the noise now.

Langoni scythes down Keno and is yet another name in Mr. Roldan's book.

Boca have Fluminense pegged back now.

Keno strikes from distance and almost catches out Romero.

Boca change as Merentiel leaves the action and is replaced by Janson.

Extra time is underway,

Boca start the additional time.

The faces of the fans is revealing with a look of concern and panic on the Flu supporters with the Boca faithful looking far more optimistic.

Boca have only made two switches with Fluminense making five subs.

That surely will be the last of the action, yes, the whistle sounds and we'll have a further half an hour of action.

Barbosa is in and really has to score ...he opts for a left footed shot rather than a right and that is a poor miss for Fluminense.

Lima and Arias to strike....

Arias takes and the ball is deflected behind for a corner.

Fluminense win a dangerous free as Cano is clipped on the Boca area.

Decent chance late on here for the Brazilian side.

Four minutes to be added on.

Flu's John Kennedy is carded for a perceived slap.

What a strike from Merentiel as he catches the ball sweetly but just fails to secure accuracy. 

The tide has very much turned in favour of Boca Juniors but will Almiron look to capitalise on this wave of initiative ?

And another change for Flu as Guga is on for the injured Lima.

Advincula and Lima collide and the Peruvian wipes the Flu player out of action with both men strewn on the pitch.

Kennedy replaces the hobbling Ganso.

Barbosa replaces Marcelo with Lima replacing Martinelli.

16 years since Boca's last Libertadores triumph against Gremio. Can Los Xeneizes push for a second? 

Cavani is replaced by Dario Benedetto.

Langoni also on for Boca and the youth team player replaces Barco.

Boca draw level

Former Rayo Vallecano defender pulls Boca level.

We pass the 15 minute mark and what will Almiron try now.

Sit back as they were in the opening stage or use the initiative that an equalising goal offers? 

The Peruvian finds an angle with an exquisite left footed strike and we're level in Rio.

Advinculaaaaaa

Boca are level as the Peruvian fires the Argentine side level.

Less than 20 minutes left in the Rio final.

Fluminense still in control despite Boca now playing with added tempo.

Boca also preparing a series of subs.

Another injury for Fluminense as Xavier leaves the pitch.

Flu shoot as Andre has a pop from just outside the Boca area.

A second goal for the Brazilian side you feel would be curtains for Boca.

Figal carded now as he takes out Arias as the Flu player was in free flow.

Flu are now the side looking to break up the flow and rhythm of the final.

Keno now carded for a foul on Barco.

Cavani gets booked for his trouble.

Things getting a little tetchy now as Andre gets clattered by Cavani.

Big big appeals for a penalty from the Fluminense players as Fabra appeals to haul a Brazilian player to the ground.

Once again, the ref waves play on.

An hour gone at the Maracana and Boca are offering more but still yet to carve anyway through the Flu defensive line.

COPA LIBERTADORES

Who is Fluminense striker Germán Cano, the top scorer in the 2023 Copa Libertadores?

Boca with a dangerous free.

Barco whips the ball in but overhits. 

Fabio still yet to be really stretched in the Fluminense goal.

First sub of the game as Melo cannot continue and Marlon takes his place.

Melo is down and looks to be in some distress.

Referee calls for a stretcher.

Fluminense also on the cusp of being the seventh and final participants at the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup which takes place in Saudi Arabia next month.

German Cano's 36th minute strike the difference between both teams.

Off we go.

The second half is underway.

The sides return to the pitch and we're moments away from the second half.

Will Almiron amend his tactics ?

Can Flu push on ?

All will be revealed in the second half.

Fluminense good value for their lead with Boca yet to really claim to having created a clear goal scoring chance.

The side from Argentina started with an ultra defensive set of tactics and they now need to change their gameplan with the Brazilian side very much in control.

The whistle sounds and it's Fluminense just 45 minutes away from their first ever Copa Libertadores triumph. 

Good news for Flu fans as the Argentine striker is back on his feet and okay to carry on.

Cano is down and may need additional treatment after a collision with a Boca player.

We'll have two minutes of added time.

It's the Flu fans who are making all the noise now as their side are in control in the Copa Libertadores final.

Into the final minute of the half we go.

Into the final five minutes of the game.

The goal has ignited the contest and if everything, the interval will come a little too soon.

Flu go ahead

Cano the marksman

Wonderful strike from the Argentine and the goal will force Boca to come out of their defensive shell.

The goal is great for the neutral as Boca need to amend their ultra defensive gameplan. 

Goooooooooooooool.

Cano it is who opens the scoring.

His 13th in the Copa Libertadores this season,

Nino heads from a Marcelo corner but the captain fails to get accuracy and the ball drifts wide.

Chance for Boca but the flag was up.

Cavani had drifted into an offside position.

Past the half hour mark and Fluminense still offer more in terms of football with Boca sitting deep.

The Argentine player looked to be the aggressor but in the end the referee lets play continue.

Valentini and Ganso clash and the ref wants this to be looked at.

Boca now in much better shape compared to the opening ten minutes where Flu were totally in control.

Still neither keeper yet to be totally stretched with both teams mustering one tame shot on target a piece.

Better in the past 5 plus minutes from the Argentine side as they make a handful of forays into the Flu half.

The ball is fed through to Cavani and for some reason the striker passes (badly) instead of taking the ball on himself. 

Very clear gameplan from Boca manager Almiron as his side sit deep and look to strike on the counter.

Merentie breaks and with Cavani on the overlap, the Uruguayan hits but the ball is straight at the Flu keeper.

Possession so far:

Boca 18% vs Flu 82%

Cavani drives into Melo and Flu are awarded a dangerous free kick.

The ball gets a flick from Cano but is easy for Romero to gather.

Past the ten minute mark and despite neither side yet to create a scoring opportunity, Flu are very much the side in control.

Keno looks really sharp for Fluminense in the opening minutes and the noise levels seem to be higher from the Flu end.

Advincula once again is the culprit as he drives into Keno from behind.

The former Rayo Vallecano man will need to watch his step now after a few robust challenges.

Five minutes in and Flu look like the team that are more comfortable in the final so far.

Boca seem happy to let the Brazilian side have the ball.

Cano goes to ground in the Boca box but was certainly looking for a spot kick and his theatrics certainly don't impress Mr Roldan.

Fluminense enjoying the bulk of early possession as both sets of players look to ease their way into the game and shake off early big game nerves.

Off we go...

The 64th Copa Libertadores final is underway in Rio.

A wall of sound being generated by both sets of supporters as smoke wafts across the Maracana pitch.

A reminder of the sides with kick off just moments away.

Brazil national anthem up next getting a solid rendition from the Flu supporters.

National anthem time, first up that of the 'home' team tonight... Boca Juniors and Argentina.

The referee team in pink tonight lead the teams out.

Both teams in their classic colours.

Boca in blue with the yellow band on the shirts. 

Flu in their green, white and brugundy striped shirts.

The trophy is unveiled at the Maracana Stadium. One of the most iconic cups in the global game. 

Which captain will be holding the famous trophy in 90 minutes ?

The opening ceremony at the Maracana gets underway.

Don't forget, tonight's game may go to extra-time should sides be level after 90 minutes. 

If things are still level after 120 minutes of football, then the winner of the 64th Copa Libertadores final will be decided on penalty kicks.

Boca Juniors: Copa Libertadores finals

1963: Santos 2-1 Boca Juniors

1977: Boca Juniors 0-0 Cruzeiro (Boca win on pens)

1978: Boca Juniors 4-0 Deportivo Cali (agg)

1979: Olimpia 2-0 Boca Juniors (agg)

2000: Boca Juniors 2-2 Palmeiras (agg, Boca win on pens)

2001: Boca Juniors 1-1 Cruz Azul (agg, Boca win on pens)

2003: Boca Juniors 5-1 Santos (agg)

2004: Once Caldas 1-1 Boca Juniors (agg, Once Caldas win on pens)

2007: Boca Juniors 5-0 Gremio (agg)

2012: Corinthians 3-1 Boca Juniors (agg)

2018: River Plate 5-3 Boca Juniors (agg)

Fluminense fans at the Maracana

The green, white and burgundy clad fans are in fine voice as kick-off looms at the Maracana.

Who is Wilmar Roldan?

CONMEBOL has made the decision to entrust Colombian referee Wilmar Roldán with this key role, favouring him over the equally esteemed Chilean Piero Maza and Uruguayan Esteban Ostojich, who had also been under thoughtful deliberation.

For Roldán, this appointment signifies a triumphant return to the grand stage of a Copa Libertadores final after a notable hiatus of nine years. Roldán’s duties will be complemented by a team of other officials, all hailing from the nation of Colombia. This team includes Alexander Guzmán (assistant referee 1), Dionisio Ruiz (assistant referee 2), Andrés Rojas (fourth official), and Wilmar Navarro (fifth official).

Focus on Flu's Cano

German Cano will be a major source of danger for the Boca Juniors defenders tonight at the Maracana.

Focus on Boca's Sergio Romero

A look at how Boca's keeper has performed during the 2023 Copa Libertadores.

Boca in Rio

Just some of the 100,000 Boca Juniors fans that have descended on the Brazilian city ahead of the final.

COPA LIBERTADORES

Copa Libertadores winners to complete Club World Cup line-up

Copa Libertadores: past ten winners

Fluminense will be hoping to secure a fifth consecutive Brazilian triumph as Serie A sides continue to dominate the Libertadores in recent years.

2022 Flamengo

2021 Palmeiras

2020 Palmeiras

2019 Flamengo

2018 River Plate

2017 Grêmio

2016 Atlético Nacional

2015 River Plate

2014 San Lorenzo

2013 Atlético Mineiro

Maradona present at the Maracana

Benjamin Aguero, son of former Man City Kun Aguero and Diego Maradona nephew is in the Maracana for the final with the Maradona-Boca Juniors connection a close knit one.

Boca or Flu?

Which name will grace the famous trophy in approximately three hours time?

There is just one space left on the base of the trophy with all Flu fans desperate to see their name joining the likes of Santos, Palmeiras and Flamengo.

Confirmed team news

Both starting XI's for the Copa Libertadores final have been issued.

Fluminense possible XI

The Rio based Flu should be at full strength for the final and we expect El Tricolor to start with:

Fábio; Samuel Xavier, Marlon, David Braz, Diogo Barbosa; André; Arias, Ganso, Keno; John Kennedy and Cano.

Boca possible XI

No surprises are expected in the Boca XI with the suspended Marcos Rojo expected to be replaced by Nicolás Valentini.

​​​​​​Sergio Romero; Luis Advíncula, Jorge Figal, Nicolás Valentini, Frank Fabra; Cristian Medina, Pol Fernández, Equi Fernández, Valentín Barco; Miguel Merentiel and Edinson Cavani.

LIBERTADORES CUP

Boca Juniors - Fluminense: The best bars and places in New York to watch the Copa Libertadores

When does Boca Juniors vs Fluminense start?

Kick-off is today in Rio is scheduled for 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT

Boca vs Flu

How they face up ahead of the 2023 Copa Libertadores final

Boca Juniors vs Fluminense

Fluminense will claim to have home advantage with the game being played 'at home' and they face a Boca side who failed to win a single game in the knockout stage, needing a penalty shootout to progress in the Round of 16 (vs Nacional), quarter-final (vs Racing) and against Palmeiras in the semi-final.

Expectation is skyhigh in Rio de Janeiro with the game being staged at the iconic Maracana Stadium in the Brazilian city as more than 100,000 Boca fans have descended, the bulk without tickets as they dream of a seventh Libertadores title.

Hello and welcome to our coverage of the 2023 Copa Libertadores final as Boca Juniors (Argentina) look for their seventh title as they face Brazilian outfit Fluminense who are looking for their first ever Libertadores triumph.