River Plate win Copa Libertadores for third time

The final was a particular triumph for manager Gallardo, who played for the club when they beat Colombian side America of Cali to win the title in 1996. After the first leg in Mexico ended 0-0 last week, we’ve resurrected the Just Football podcast to bring you a one-off special previewing the final, something to accompany you as you prepare for a long night of teas, coffees, popcorn and South American drama.

River had to overcome more difficulties in the semis.

This was the third time a Mexican team has lost in the final.

Gallardo will watch from the stands after being sent off for yelling at the fourth official in the first leg, while Mercado is suspended, having picked up his second yellow card.

River did what they had to do by shooting into a 3-0 lead against their Bolivian opponents, prompting the fans to devote their attention to their radios and events in Chiclayo instead of the action on the pitch.

Joffre Guerron is also back in training and could feature, but Hugo Ayala will definitely miss the game after his injury in the first leg. Jose Rivas will take his place in defence.

“My favourite Argentinian team is Boca Juniors, but I don’t regret what I did”, Esqueda told newspaper Olé.

Andre Gignac of Mexico’s Tigres covers his mouth during the Copa Libertadores final soccer match against Argentina’s River Plate in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Wednesday, August 5, 2015. The last Mexican side to do it was (ironically) Tigres in 2012.

“After 19 years we deserved this victory”, Gallardo said.

“So it will be different, the one who does it better, will win the game”. After fourteen games against teams from across South America, Tigres and River Plate will go head-to-head for the fourth time in this season’s Copa Libertadores. “This is a unique opportunity for us”.

Despite only playing two games so far in the Liga MX, they find themselves without a point after losses to Toluca at home and Morelia as visitors.

“Us and them, we are with the same wish of gaining a title”.