BUENOS AIRES, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- Atletico Mineiro manager Gabriel Milito said Friday that patience and intelligence would be key to his side's hopes of winning the Copa Libertadores final against Brazilian rival Botafogo.
Botafogo is widely considered favorite to lift South America's premier club trophy for a first time, but Milito promised "a fight until the end" as Atletico bids for a second Libertadores crown.
"We need to maintain clarity in attack and not be in a hurry," Milito said ahead of Saturday's duel at Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires.
"If our attacking movements are interrupted, we have to react quickly to neutralize them and regain possession. That has to do with positioning and the idea that you need to defend even when you attack. I feel like we're going to have a great final."
Atletico Mineiro advanced to the decider by beating River Plate 3-0 on aggregate in the semifinals, while Botafogo progressed via a 6-3 victory over Penarol over two legs.
Despite poor recent results in Brazilian domestic football, Milito said his team had the self-belief required to win the South American equivalent of the UEFA Champions League.
"The dream of winning this competition is very big, but we have to be very intelligent," the Argentine said. "It's crucial that we go out to compete on our terms. I expect it to be a close and very difficult final." ■
