The infinite monkey theorem suggests that given infinite time, a monkey smashing keys on a typewriter could eventually produce anything.
From the mediocre works of Shakespeare to even some of the great articles published here on The Roadrunner, with infinite time, there would consequently be infinite possibilities and outcomes.
However, with all of the infinite possibilities and potential outcomes, every now and then, a script so absurd, so unimaginable plays out that it even gets the typewriting monkeys shaking their heads in confusion over who wrote such a thing.
Think Sac Express publishing an interesting article, or Butte College’s football team actually losing—you get the picture. I’m talking about things that seem borderline impossible.
Recently, the world got to witness one of these borderline impossible storylines—in fact, not just one, but two, within 48 hours of each other.
The events in question took place in this year’s Libertadores semifinals, where the world was privileged to see two first-leg results that defied all expectations and pushed the boundaries of what anyone thought possible.
Take, for instance, Atlético Mineiro’s shocking 3-0 victory over River Plate this past Tuesday, October 22, in Minas Gerais, Brazil.
River went into the match riding high. With the tournament’s final set to be hosted at their own Monumental de Núñez stadium in Buenos Aires, Argentina, River has, in many ways, been the team to beat.
And while River might not have had home advantage in the semifinal’s first leg, they had a great team, a multi-champion coach, and a celebrated reputation within the competition—all of which was expected to translate into a strong performance at the MRV Arena in Belo Horizonte.
However, in a twist that seemed ripped from the wildest pages of an unpublished Dash Adventure or three, Atlético didn’t just win—they dominated. Three goals were scored, each one chipping away at River Plate’s seemingly solid stance, each one making a qualification to the final seem more improbable than the last.
Then there’s Botafogo’s demolition of Peñarol, which occurred a day later on October 23.
After a first half that saw no goals, the tense, hard-fought battle between two capable teams seemed destined to be decided by the smallest of margins.
But when the second half kicked off, everything changed—Botafogo unleashed a storm, scoring five goals within 28 minutes and leaving the Uruguayans in ruins.
Each of the five goals landed like a shockwave, completely flipping the script on what was meant to be a close contest but ended up being controlled by a relentless, unstoppable Botafogo.
By the end of the match, the Glorious had done the unimaginable, creating a nearly insurmountable lead to take into the second leg.
On the other hand, Peñarol is now left facing a five-goal deficit, grappling with a challenge that even the most optimistic fans can hardly envision them overturning.
In many ways, these games didn’t just defy expectations and predictions—they tore them apart. This year’s Libertadores seems to be leaning into the improbable, leaving fans only to wonder what’s left to come.
As we move into the semifinal second legs, Atlético will face River on Tuesday, October 28, and Botafogo will take on Peñarol on Wednesday, October 30.
And while the storylines are set, the endings are still unwritten—for River and Peñarol, the challenge is monumental, but if what we’ve seen so far has taught us anything, it’s safe to say the surprises might not be over yet.
