Argentine football club Estudiantes have ended a 39 year drought in the Copa Libertadores by defeating Brazilian side Cruziero 2-1 away from home to become the South American champions for the fourth time in their history.
After winning their last Libertadores title back in 1970, Estudiantes have since failed to rival the international dominance of fellow Argentine clubs such as Independiente, Boca Juniors and River Plate.
But making do with a rejuvenated Juan Sebastian Veron and young star Gaston Fernandez, Estudiantes have been able to win their fourth Copa Libertadores in a way that will make most Argentines, let alone Estudiantes fans very happy – by defeating a Brazilian team away from home in the final.
Indeed, Estudiantes’ triumph is the more sweeter thanks to the fact they turned around a 1 nil deficit early in the second half to achieve a 2-1 victory.
After the goalless first match in Argentina, Cruziero were heavily favoured to obtain the 2009 Copa Libertadores in front of their home fans.
Estudiantes, however, matched the performance of their Brazilian rivals early in the contest, and created a significant amount of goal scoring opportunities to keep the Cruizero defence on their toes.
Despite heading into the game on the back of a goalless first leg, it did not hinder Estudiantes’ attacking game, nor did it provide any element of self-doubt against their more fancied rivals.
Former Manchester United star Juan Sebastian Veron was constantly the linchpin for the character and commitment that his side showed throughout the ninety minutes.
He led Estudiantes successfully around the park in a way that has obviously caught the eye of Argentine national coach Diego Maradona.
Veron was well assisted by the form of team-mates Cristian Cellay and the ball control of Enzo Perez.
Such was Estudiantes’ form in the first half, Cruziero failed to play to the rhythm that has made Brazilian football so valued across the globe.
Their attack lacked aggressiveness against an Estudiantes defence that were relatively left unexposed in the first half.
Cruizero’s only chance before halftime came on the back of a corner from Thiago Elano that just missed the powerful head of Wellington.
The only sour point of Estudiantes’ first half was the poor finish in front of goal from Mauro Boselli, who failed to capitalise on a terrific opportunity set up by Gaston Fernandez.
It was a chance that cost Estudiantes dearly just six minutes into the second half, as Cruizero scored thanks from a shot from Henrique which took a nasty deflection to beat goalkeeper Andujar.
Cruizero’s elation, however, only lasted a further six minutes as Fernandez equalised courtesy of clinical lead-up play from Veron and Cellay.
After that goal, Estudiantes’ game grew tenfold and were able to dominate Cruizero both physically and technically.
In the 26th minute of the second half, a corner from Veron was headed home by Boselli to place Estudiantes within minutes of ending a 39 year old championship drought.
But like all footballing finals, drama reared its head as Cruizero nearly forced the match into extra time after Thiago Rbeiro’s angled shot hit the crossbar.
It was the miss that allowed Estudiantes to hold firm and finally claim their deserved title as 2009 Copa Libertadores champions.
On the back of this achievement, Estudiantes will now participate in the World Club Championships where a possible final showdown with European champions FC Barcelona awaits.
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