Flamengo beat River Plate to lift Copa Libertadores

By Muhammed Enes Calli

ANKARA (AA) - Brazil's Flamengo won the 2019 Copa Libertadores after beating River Plate of Argentina in a historical final at the Estadio Monumental late Saturday.

Flamengo lifted South America's biggest club title in Lima, Peru with a comeback for the ages against River Plate for the 2-1 victory.

Colombian Rafael Santos Borre gave River Plate an early lead and the only first-half goal in minute 14.

But Gabriel Barbosa's two goals in minute 89 and in stoppage time completed the comeback for Flamengo, shattering River Plate's dream for a second straight cup.

The teams were down to 10 men after Exequiel Palacios and Gabriel Barbosa were sent off in stoppage time.

Flamengo lifted the Copa Libertadores for the second time after having won it in 1981.

River Plate won four titles in the tournament.

The winner was decided over a single match for the first time in Copa Libertadores’ 60-year history.

The final was moved to Peru because of violent unrest in Santiago, Chile.