South America

Copa Libertadores: Estudiantes Into Final After Downing Nacional

Los Pincharratas progressed to the final of the competition after winning 2-1 in Montevideo.

Jul 1, 2009 11:45:11 PM

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Mauro Boselli - Estudiantes de La Plata

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Estudiantes

Estudiantes de La Plata were the first team to reach the final of the 2009 Copa Libertadores after beating Nacional of Uruguay 2-1 in the second leg of the semi-final at the Centenario stadium in Montevideo.

The three-time Copa Libertadores champions went through 3-1 on aggregate, and will have the opportunity to win the title for the first time since 1970 against either Cruzeiro or Gremio of Brazil.

Backed by more than 60,000 fans, Nacional pushed to the attack as they searched for an early goal that would level the series.

But despite their pressure, the Uruguayans couldn't break through the rock-solid Estudiantes defense that stood extremely firm throughout the half.

The Argentines absorbed heavy pressure and pushed forward on swift counterattacks at every opportunity. Attackers Gaston Fernandez and Mauro Boselli came close to scoring with clear-cut opportunities late in the half.

Even if without inspirational captain, Juan Sebastian Veron, Los Pincharratas looked solid in the midfield. They were able to contain Nacional at all moments.

In the second period Nacional continued to dominate their opponents, but in the 52nd minute a silly mistake in defence gifted Estudiantes with a simple goal. Boselli chipped the ball home with just the goalkeeper to beat after meeting a good ball from Fernandez.

The goal meant Nacional now needed to score three times, and they piled heavy pressure on the Estudiantes goal in an attempt to at least reduce the deficit.

After much pressure, in the 76th minute Alexander Medina fired in Nacional's equaliser and the vocal home crowd erupted.

The Uruguayans peppered the Estudiantes goal as they looked for a second, and although they came close to doing this they couldn't manage to beat Mariano Andujar for a second time.

Nacional pushed all their men forward, leaving huge gaps in their midfield, and in second half injury time Estudiantes took advantage of this by scoring the winner. Boselli finished off a smart counterattack that was identical of his first goal.

Estudiantes advanced to the final of the Copa Libertadores, where they will meet the winner of the tie between Cruzeiro and Gremio.

Gregory Sica, Goal.com

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