Short skirts, hot prelude and saucy Copa Libertadores final

What's there not to like!

The Copa Libertadores final was a spectacle only South American football can deliver. Tons of passion, a pinch of nudity and attractive female singers and dancers (the star of the pre-match show name's Anitta, in case anyone is interested), and 120 minutes of the die-hard game (and some one-of-a-kind time-wasting) afterwards.

Palmeiras and Flamengo were tied after the full-time at one, with the Verdao being one up shortly after the kick-off. It was a wonderful build-up and as soon you could say 'Rio de Janeiro' Veiga was left alone in the heart of the area, placing it smoothly into the back of the net.

Flamengo were fighting hard to bounce back but Palmeiras didn't concede until Barbosa slid through the defence on the left wing in the 72nd minute and nailed it under keeper in the near corner.

From that moment on, both sides were more determined to save their own net than to score, so we were heading into an extra time.

AMERICA - PUMAS UNAM

Lots of recognizable veterans on the pitch - such as David Luiz, Felipe Luiz and Felipe Melo - found it hard to concentrate due to tiredness. And that was just what decided the winner: one of Flamengo's defenders accidentally lost control of the ball near the box, Deyverson picked it up and was grateful enough for the gift, scoring the decisive goal for the win.

Palmeiras are the first slot after Boca Juniors - almost 20 years ago - to defend the Copa Libertadores title.

Only God knows what a celebration that would be these days in Rio de Janeiro.