Copa Sudamerica: Lanus are crowned Champions

Argentinian side Lanus have been crowned Copa Sudameria Champions for 2013. With the scores tied 1-1 after the first leg, Lanus went into the home second leg as favourites. Two first half goals sealed victory as the club won only their third major trophy in their history. Copa Conmebol Champions in 1996. Apertura Champions in 2007, and now Copa Sudamerica Champions.


Ponte Preta started off well enough, a couple of early chances from Rildo giving Lanus something to think about. But, that was as good as it got. Lanus totally controled the game after about the first ten minutes and got their reward in the 25th minute. Paraguayan Victor Ayala battled for the ball in midfield and burst forward, he found Ismael Blanco who fired in a low cross back to the on-rushing Ayala who finished it off with aplomb. Then just before the break Ponte's coach Jorginho was sent to the stands for arguing a decision with the forth official. Moments later Lanus went two up, as a corner was whipped in by Ayala, Santiago Silva powered in a header which was well saved by Roberto but he couldn't stop Blanco from hitting in the rebound.
Ponte made a couple of substitutions after the break to try to change things, bringing in Adailton, Ferrugem and William but they couldn't change the momentum. Blanco had a great chance to wrap up the game on seventy minutes when he had a bullet header brilliantly saved by Roberto, who also saved one-handed from Gonzalez later on. Santiago Silva was superb both up-front and in defense for Lanus, winning a lot of headers in his own penalty area to snuff out any threat the Brazilians tried to pose from free-kicks and corners.
In the end it was a much deserved victory for the home side, who now go in search of another trophy this Sunday, as they need to win their last match of the season and hope San Lorenzo falter. If that happens Lanus will crown a wonderful 2103 and win the Torneo Inicial Title.
Lanus are managed by Boca Juniors legend and Ex-MLS star Guillermo Barros Schelotto (pictured) along with his twin brother Gustavo. Guillermo has been linked with a managerial post in the MLS with his previous club Columbus Crew and FC Dallas recently, but with this success and maybe more to come on Sunday, he may find that it will become more difficult to leave. A young coach to watch out for.  


Published by @gersloveofsport  December 12