Flamengo won the Copa Libertadores on Saturday after a 2-1 victory over Argentinian side River Plate. The Brazilian side lifted the trophy in dramatic fashion after striker Gabriel Barbosa scored twice in the dying minutes (89′, 90+2′).
But the drama did not end with the final whistle of the game. Celebrations in Rio de Janeiro ended in violent clashes between the police and supporters, with the law enforcers using tear gas to scatter the crowd. Their reaction came after fighting broke out, stones and bottles were thrown at the police.
Flamengo won the double
It should have been a spectacular day of celebration for Flamengo who won their second Copa Libertadores (first one coming back in 1980/81) and also secured the Brazilian League after their closest challengers Palmeiras lost 2-1 to Gremio, thus leaving Flamengo unreachable at the top with 13 points ahead and four Seria A games remaining.
This is the seventh time Flamengo is crowned Brazilian champions. The historical achievement is further endorsed by the fact that this is only the second time ever that a Brazilian club wins both the local championship and Copa Libertadores. The first time was in 1963 when Santos lifted both, having legendary footballer Pele in their squad.
Now, Flamengo will be heading to the Club World Cup in Qatar, where they can potentially meet the Champions League holders – Liverpool. This year’s competition will be held in Qatar between the 11th and 22nd of December.
