Botafogo clinched the first Copa Libertadores in their 123-year history with an incredible victory over Brazilian rivals Atletico Mineiro.

The River Plate Stadium in Argentina was stunned just 30 seconds into the final when Botafogo midfielder Gregore was sent off for a high kick to the head of Fausto Vera.

After having their hearts in their mouths for 34 minutes, the Botafogo fans were sent wild after a rare foray forward ended in Luiz Henrique smashing home with his left foot inside the box.

Buoyed by that, the 10 men ventured forward again and goalscorer Henrique was fouled in the box by a rash challenge by Atletico keeper Everson, resulting in former Manchester United left-back Alex Telles doubling their lead from the spot a minute before the break.

They wrapped up their historic victory through substitute Junior Santos from close range in the seventh minute of added time.

Despite having the extra man for almost the entire match, Atletico struggled.

They halved the deficit two minutes into the second half as Eduardo Vargas headed in Hulk's corner with his first touch since coming on off the bench.

The side from Belo Horizonte pressed for an equaliser against a tired-looking Botafogo and 38-year-old former Brazil international Hulk unleashed a trademark left-footed drive that was palmed away by Victor.

As the match wore on, the Botafogo defence crept further back as they looked to absorb the huge pressure from the Atletico attack.

But Vargas missed a golden opportunity to equalise when he could only sweep his late effort over from five yards.

Substitute forward Santos lashed home the third goal when a defender's attempt to cut out his cross fell back to him.

The Botafogo players sunk to the turf at the sound of the final whistle after writing their names in the club's history.

In the Buenos Aires sun, more than 80,000 Brazilians felt every emotion possible as a football lover.

Shock, elation, sadness and anger were emotions felt by both sets of supporters in just the opening 45 minutes after a red card and two surprising goals.

The drama in this encounter should have come as no surprise, though, following an opening ceremony that almost made you feel as though you were at a pop concert.

The pitch was covered in gold and black with performers dotted all over the huge playing surface before 24-time Grand Slam winner Novak Djokovic appeared to place the famous trophy on a plinth before delivering a coin to the referee.

When the real action started, the controversial incident in the opening minute set the tone.

Gregore's horror challenge and red card looked to have put the game beyond Botafogo's reach before they had even got going.

However, they defied the odds with a display full of spirit and style. Henrique's goal left grown men in the crowd in tears, while babies were held aloft in the celebrations.

Atletico's Argentine manager Gabriel Milito dropped to his knees in the final stages as his side missed out, especially when Vargas wasted his late opportunity.

In the end, there were scenes of both jubilation and devastation as a Brazilian club lifted the trophy for a sixth consecutive time.