The pattern of Brazilian dominance in the most prestigious South American club competition continued after Botafogo eliminated Penarol and Atletico Mineiro held on to their advantage over River Plate to book a return to the Monumental on 30 November.
It will be Atletico’s second Copa Libertadores final following their 2013 victory over Olimpia while for Botafogo, this will be their first ever such contest.
Both these Serie A sides had essentially clinched their places after their convincing first leg home wins.
With Mineiro going 3-0 up against River in Belo Horizonte, helped by a Deyverson double, and Botafogo netting five without reply in Rio.
And despite the inevitably intimidating atmosphere in Buenos Aires Gabriel Milito’s men kept River goalless albeit having to withstand a shedload of shots and numerous set-plays.
So there will be no potential CL home glory for legendary coach Marcelo Gallardo (who, like his club, was subsequently fined for various transgressions)
Meanwhile in Montevideo, Penarol caused a few palpitations for their opponents when Jaime Baez put them two-up before Thiago Almada settled the Botafogo nerves by scoring late in the second period.
The five-times winners exited with their heads held high but it is Portuguese Artur Jorge who will lead Fogo to their date with destiny against their Serie A rivals.
Perhaps not surprisingly the early odds indicate a tight contest with Botafogo perhaps having the slight edge.
But whatever happens it will be another Brazilian club triumph, the sixth in a row.
Analysis – John Bethell