Rio de Janeiro’s Maracanã hosted Boca Juniors’ passage to the Copa Sudamericana final on Tuesday night, but Flamengo say the occasion left a damaging aftermath inside one of South America’s defining stadiums. The Rio club have reported widespread vandalism following the semi-final, with damage attributed to sections of both sets of supporters.
The news from the club
Flamengo issued a statement on Wednesday after receiving a technical assessment from the consortium responsible for operating the Maracanã. The report recorded hundreds of broken seats and further damage in toilets, food-service areas, entrance ramps and information signs.
The club condemned the behaviour and said those involved had shown complete disregard for the heritage of a venue regarded among world football’s most emblematic grounds.
The match itself sent Boca through after a dramatic evening in Rio. Captain Leandro Paredes, back in time from a right-leg muscle tear, struck from distance in the 88th minute to secure a 3-1 win over Vasco da Gama and a 3-2 aggregate triumph.
Lautaro Di Lollo and Miguel Merentiel had put Boca ahead during the first half, before José Luis “Puma” Rodríguez scored in the 66th minute to draw Vasco level in the tie. Paredes’ late intervention restored Boca’s advantage and delivered a return to the competition’s showpiece occasion.
Boca, winners of the tournament in 2004 and 2005, will now pursue a third Copa Sudamericana crown.
The road to Barranquilla
The final is scheduled for 21 November in Barranquilla, Colombia, where Boca will face Atlético Mineiro. The Brazilian side earned their place by overcoming Montevideo City Torque 3-2 on aggregate in the other semi-final.
