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24 Nov, 2019 10:49

'What a final!' Gabriel Barbosa scores two late goals, gets sent off as Flamengo claim first Copa Libertadores since 1981

'What a final!' Gabriel Barbosa scores two late goals, gets sent off as Flamengo claim first Copa Libertadores since 1981

'Gabigol, Gabriel Barbosa, fit a career's worth of drama into just a few minutes as he scored two late goals before getting sent off as Flamengo came from behind to defeat River Plate to become champions of South America.

The Brazilian side were chasing shadows for the majority of the 90 minutes in front of 80,000 fans at the Estadio Monumental in Lima, particularly after Rafael Santos Borre gave the Argentinian's a 14th minute lead. 

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They had several chances to increase their lead, with Santos Borre going close to increasing their advantage with a shot from distance later in the half. 

But as the clock ticked closer to the 90 it was time for 'Gabigol' - anonymous for the majority of the game - to make his late impact.

The Brazil international, on loan from Inter Milan, scored his 39th and 40th goals of the season to claim the dramatic late win, first poking home a cross at the far post to tie the game and then, in the 92nd minute, muscling a River defender off the ball and driving home from just inside the box.

The drama was far from over, though, as moments after scoring the winner Barbosa was issued with a second yellow for sarcastically applauding referee after River's Exequiel Palacios was sent off in injury time. 

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It was a typical performance for the 23-year-old, who has now collected 22 yellow cards during his season on loan with the club.

The win marks Flamengo's first Copa Libertadores win since 1981 and will give them entry to the 2019 FIFA World Club Cup in Qatar next month where they could meet European champions Liverpool.

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