CONMEBOL is evaluating the possibility of changing the venue for the Copa Libertadores final that was scheduled to be played at the Monumental Stadium of River. This arises due to the fact that Atlético Mineiro and Botafogo could reach the final stage of the tournament.
In the semifinals, Atlético Mineiro, managed by Gabriel Milito, achieved a convincing 3-0 victory over River in Belo Horizonte, making it almost impossible for the Argentine team to mount a comeback. Meanwhile, Botafogo defeated Peñarol with a score of 5-0 in Rio de Janeiro.
Given the high probability that both Brazilian teams might compete in the final, CONMEBOL is considering changing the venue for the match. The capacity of the Monumental Stadium of River, with 86 thousand spectators, would be too large for the clubs' fans and could result in empty seats, a situation that is intended to be avoided.
It is worth recalling a similar episode in 2022, when the Mario Alberto Kempes Stadium in Córdoba hosted the final of the Copa Sudamericana between São Paulo and Independiente del Valle, and vacant seats were observed.
As options to replace the Monumental Stadium of River, the Estadio Libertadores de América-Ricardo Enrique Bochini of Independiente and the Estadio Único Diego Armando Maradona of La Plata are being considered.
