Flamengo thrash Gremio to set up Copa Libertadores final against River Plate

Source: Xinhua| 2019-10-24 14:46:34|Editor: Liu
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RIO DE JANEIRO, Oct. 23 (Xinhua) -- Flamengo advanced to the Copa Libertadores final for the first time since 1981 by thrashing Gremio 5-0 in the second leg of their all-Brazilian semifinal on Wednesday.

The result at a packed Maracana stadium followed a 1-1 draw at Gremio in the first leg and set up a final against defending champions River Plate of Argentina in Santiago, Chile, on November 23.

"I want to thank the players for this feat, for living this dream that Flamengo fans have had for years," Flamengo head coach Jorge Jesus told reporters after the match.

"Our supporters showed that they are unique, different, passionate. They created an atmosphere that you don't see anywhere else in the world."

Bruno Henrique put the hosts ahead just before halftime with a close-range shot after Gabriel Barbosa's attempt was parried clear by Paulo Victor.

Inter Milan loanee Barbosa then netted twice in the first 10 minutes of the second half: first by rifling in an 18-yard effort after a corner and then by converting from the penalty spot.

Gremio were suddenly in disarray and Flamengo completed the rout with headed goals from central defenders Pablo Mari and Rodrigo Caio.

Flamengo are aiming for just their second Libertadores title and their first since 1981 while River Plate are vying to win it for a fifth time and third in five years.

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