RIO DE JANEIRO, March 13 (Xinhua) -- Botafogo reached the Copa Libertadores group stage for the first time in seven years by completing a 3-2 aggregate win over Bragantino in their all-Brazilian qualifier on Wednesday.

After a 2-1 home victory in last week's first leg, Botafogo looked in control in the first half of the return fixture at Estadio Nabi Abi Chedid in Braganca Paulista.

But the visitors were reduced to 10 men in the 51st minute after Damian Suarez was shown a straight red card for pulling down Juninho Capixaba when he was through on goal.

Even with a numerical disadvantage, Botafogo continued to press and they were rewarded for their efforts when Junior Santos tapped home from the edge of the six-yard box after Hugo Ferreira's cross on the counterattack.

Talisson Almeida gave Bragantino a glimmer of hope by spinning around his opponent and lashing a left-footed effort into the far corner four minutes from time.

But Botafogo held on to clinch a berth in South America's premier club competition for the first time since 2017.

"I didn't imagine this but I'm very happy that we've managed to qualify," Santos said.

"The fans have given us confidence again by supporting us. And we are taking notice. They pushed us during this game and we responded accordingly."

In Wednesday's only other qualifying second-leg fixture Chile's Colo-Colo clinched a 2-1 home win over Paraguayan side Trinidense to advance 3-2 on aggregate. Enditem

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