Cruzeiro 1 Racing Club 3. Copa Sudamericana Final. Asuncion.
Tears, grandfather skulls, and mass celebrations in Paraguay and Argentina.
All that was prompted by the first international triumph for Racing in 36 years, and over 50 years since their only Copa Libertadores victory.
It brought overwhelming joy for their fans after this victory against Cruzeiro from Belo Horizonte.
The Argentinians certainly outnumbered their rivals though both sets of hinchas contributed to a fantastic atmosphere in the steamy hot Estadio Pablo Rojas.
Many had expected this to be a tight contest but that changed within minutes of the kickoff when Uruguayan Gaston Martirena put the ball in the net when free on the right.
Although that ‘goal’ was, eventually, ruled out by VAR the same player, again on the right flank, floated over a cross/shot that eluded Cassio in the Cruzeiro goal to make it 1-0.
And within twenty minutes it was 2-0 after Salas crossed to give leading scorer Adrian Martinez an easy finish.
So much for a tight contest.
The Brazilians had conceded two possibly preventable goals, particularly from the goalkeeping perspective.
And it would take them some time to put their passes together, too often they had misplaced their combinations.
But, eventually the talented Matheus Pereira delivered a tempting cross that Kaio Jorge put well over.
If Raposa were going to get back into this, it was probably Pereira who would have to have an influence.
After 45 minutes it was 2-0 in favour of Racing, who were often content to use delaying tactics and see if their opponents could break them down. That was achieved despite some late Cruzeiro pressure.
Into the second period and, after the Brazilians kept their opponents waiting, the profile of the contest changed and Pereira, inevitably, played apart.
He combined neatly to set up Henrique whose delivery gave Kaio Jorge a close range header and then a follow up to make it 2-1.
And soon after Pereira would test Arias with a left foot effort.
This meant a period of tension for the Racing hordes as their team consolidated in defence and used some time wasting to run down the clock.
However, Cruzeiro just couldn’t create enough decent chances to really threaten La Academica’s goal.
And, in fact, as we neared the end, it was the Argentinians who should have extended their advantage when Maximiliano Salas was released only for his shot to drift wide.
Then, in the last minute, it was all over when Nardoni headed on for substitute Roger Martinez to joyously drive in the clincher.
That set off ecstatic celebrations both on the pitch, in the stands, and in Argentina.
It was a particularly sweet triumph for their coach Gustavo Costas, who, as a player, was part of that last international victory in 1988.
People all around were crying with joy as was, no doubt, the fan who brought his grandfather’s skull to Asuncion.
After such a long wait it was eminently understandable.
Meanwhile, for the Brazilians, whose last international title was back in the 1990’s they will have to suffer (and hope their local rivals Atletico Mineiro don’t win the Libertadores)
Report from Asuncion – John Bethell