Almost 50 years later, Penarol will get its chance at revenge.
The Uruguayan club received a crucial away goal from Matias Mier Thursday night that proved to be the difference in its Copa Libertadores semifinal matchup with Argentina's Velez Sarsfield. Velez' Santiago Silva missed a 76th-minute penalty that would've put his team through, as Penarol advanced, 2-2 on aggregate, to become the first Uruguayan side to advance to the final of the tournament since 1988. Velez won the second leg, 2-1, but Mier's goal coupled with a 1-0 victory in the opening leg sealed Penarol's place in the championship.
Brazilian power Santos will be its opponent in the final, to set up a rematch of the 1962 final that Santos won behind Pele. After a tame first leg with Cerro Porteno that ended in a 1-0 Santos victory, the Brazilians drew their Paraguayan counterparts, 3-3, in Wednesday's second leg to seal their place in the final on a 4-3 aggregate. Neymar's goal just before halftime proved to be the series clincher.
The two-legged final is set for June 15 and June 22, with Penarol hosting the first leg.
Which team do you see winning the Copa Libertadores?
Share your thoughts below.
Jon,
I agree with you 100% on how wide open and fun to watch these games are. I also wish the MLS was more like this.
Both semis were competitive…Offense is more the focus than many other leagues…I wish MLS’ style was more like this. It should be a great final. And the passion from the fans is unmatched in club football…
crazy game. Too bad more people didnt watch it. I wonder what the ratings were. Too bad some American spanish network (univision, telemundo) didnt buy those right.
Silva for Velez will have a life time full of nightmares. I hope he gets a chance to redeem himself. I feel bad for him.
ON the other hand this a CLASSIC MATCHUP. It will be great to have two traditional power in the Final. It will be contemporary and nostalgic and the same time. I am looking forward to the games.
Maybe all us will again get to live out A Act 2. Hope for us all.
Santos will be considered favorites to win it all but Penarol has shown tremendous resillience against Velez.
It should be a great home and away match up!
Yeah Alberto Spencer magical ecuadorean player, those were great times… I met Spencer here in queens NY a year before he died and signed something for me I really treasure it. I am so glad about this final!! it is such a classic that brings back memories of the old libertadores matches with those great Santos & Penarol teams of the sixties… I am so excited I just can’t wait for that final… Remember Matosas? Luis Cubillla Mazurquiewicz… Elias Figueroa ? man what an era
I’m rooting for Penarol. Brings
back memories of my first futbal
match in 1966. Penarol (SA champ)
vs Real Madrid (Euro champ) at
the Centenario in Montevideo in
the first of a two-leg title.
Penarol won with a goal by
Spencer, and to most people’s
surprise went on to Spain to
win the title. My wife who was
not at the game thought a revo-
lution had broken out when the
whole city hit the streets. Magic!