Lima (AFP)

Relocated for the second time in two years, and each time for security reasons, the final of the Copa Libertadores between the Argentines of River Plate, defending champions, and the Brazilians of Flamengo, will be played under high surveillance in Peru, Saturday in Lima.

The finals of the Copa Libertadores are decidedly complicated to organize for two years. Last year, the violence that had hit Buenos Aires had forced the South American confederation to choose Madrid for the final return between the two rival Argentine clubs, River Plate and Boca Juniors. A final won by River.

This time, it is the Chilean social crisis that has generated this new hitch. Expected in Santiago, the final, which will be played for the first time in its history on a single match, was suddenly postponed in extremis in Peru, Lima, which had never before hosted the epilogue of the Copa Libertadores.

A reorganization in the emergency, but that did not stifle the security question. Nearly 20,000 Argentinean and Brazilian fans are expected at the Monumental Stadium in Lima for this match, an 80,000-seat stadium that is famed for being the scene of violence between supporters of the country's most popular clubs. Two weeks ago, two young people died in the capital during violence between supporters.

The Peruvian authorities were reassured by announcing the deployment of 4,000 police officers for the match, while ensuring that security was "totally guaranteed" for the match, according to the police chief of Lima.

- 38 years of waiting -

Sports side, the final looks pretty open between the defending champion and Brazilians who rediscover 38 years later such heights.

"Flamengo is a serious opponent, as we are for him," said Marcelo Gallardo, already two Copa Libertadores gleaned as a coach, and who could also end up at one length of another illustrious Argentine coach , Carlos Bianchi, in case of third success.

"We are two good teams, with as many chances of winning as we have similar players and operations," explained Gallardo.

River Plate, however, has a little more experience at this stage of the competition. Flamengo has not played a final in Libertadores since 1981. A time when the Brazilian Zico illuminated the world stage, and had largely contributed to the South American coronation of "Mengao", the nickname of Flamengo.

The craze and the jubilation filmed by Brazilian fans before embarking on a long bus trip to reach the Peruvian capital says in any case long enough about their desire to reconnect with their prestigious past.

Relaunched for almost 6 months by the arrival of their new coach, the Portuguese Jorge Jesus, the Flamengo has lost only two matches in 31 games. Will this dynamic continue in Peru?

© 2019 AFP