Brazil’s Gremio won the prestigious Copa Libertadores for the third time in its history with a 2-1 victory at Argentina’s Lanus on Wednesday night.
After a 1-0 victory in Porto Alegre last week, Gremio secured the South American crown with goals by midfielders Fernandinho at 28 minutes and Luan at 45.
Lanus’ Jose Sand scored from the penalty spot in the 72nd minute.
The Brazilians also lifted the continental trophy in 1983 and 1995. Lanus, a club from Buenos Aires suburbs, was playing its first final in the tournament’s history.
Gremio’s culture is more of Uruguayan will power than Brazilian flair, but this year it has been a goal machine under coach Renato Portaluppi.
The team has 116 goals this year and hopes to extend that run into the FIFA Club World Cup in December in Abu Dhabi.
As South American champions, Gremio will start that tournament in the semifinal, hoping for a likely final against UEFA Champions League winner Real Madrid.
In the end of the first half, Gremio doubled its lead when Luan scored one of the best goals of the tournament. He dribbled through two Lanus defenders and lobbied the ball gently into the net.
The Brazilian was later chosen the best player in the tournament.
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