Storms and torrential rain battered Buenos Aires last night but nothing could dampen the celebrations of River Plate after Los Millionarios captured a third Copa Libertadores title and completed the ultimate transformation from relegation to the peak of South American football. Liga MX side Tigres, themselves looking to make history by becoming the first Mexican club to lift the trophy, were ultimately overpowered by Marcelo Gallardo’s River and the 3-0 scoreline on the night was not only justified but gave River a remarkable end to their comeback story.
Legendary River manager, Ramón Díaz may have started this recent era of success but it has been Marcelo Gallardo, who has well and truly taken it to another level. The 39-year-old was a member of the River squad that last won the tournament in 1996 and now the supporters favourite son has led them to another triumph. El Muñeco said after the match: “I’m incredibly happy for the fans who are enjoying this party. And we are going for more now.”
Quite how long River can hold onto Gallardo is another matter. The 39-year-old has only been in management four years and now has four major titles to his name, and has led River to both the Copa Sudamericana and the Copa Libertadores back-to-back. Perhaps ‘the more’ that Gallardo refers to is the World Club Cup that River will now compete in against Barcelona in Japan.
The Copa Libertadores final did not see River at their flowing best and instead highlighted their resiliance and determination but they were still deserved winners. Tigres shaded the first leg but did not take their chances and although it was River that dominated last night it was the visitors that created the better chances in the opening forty minutes. Rafael Sobis failed to take advantage of a rare defensive blip and Andre-Pierre Gignac wasted a decent opportunity before River took control.
Moments before half-time, Leonel Vangioni drove forward and delivered a perfect cross for recent signing Lucas Alario to head in the opening goal. The 22-year-old was playing for Colón just a couple of months ago and now has helped River to the ultimate prize with decisive goals in the semi-final and the final.
The first half had lacked any real quality and the real talking point was the physical nature of the match and the amount of borderline red card challenges that were flying in. That remained a feature throughout and the 44 fouls and nine yellow cards told the story but after the break River ensured that there was no way back for Tigres.
With a little over fifteen minutes remaining, Carlos Sánchez burst into the box and was tripped by Javier Aquino. The Uruguayan got up and dispatched the penalty and shortly after Ramiro Funes Mori rose to head in a conclusive third.
The party had already begun despite referee Darío Ubríaco not blowing for full-time as River were home and dry, at least figuratively. It is hard to imagine, looking at River now, just how bad they were a matter of four years ago. After waiting seventeen years for an international title, Marcelo Gallardo has led them to two and the have taken their place again at the top of the continent’s football.
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