Tigres UANL on Wednesday became the third Mexican side to reach the Copa Libertadores final when they overcame a first-leg deficit to beat Brazilian club Internacional 4-3 on aggregate and advance to a showdown against Argentina’s Club Atletico River Plate next week.
“This is a competition I have always dreamed about and what we did today is one of the greatest moments of my career,” midfielder Javier Aquino told reporters. “Now we have the important step and the team has to take it.”
Tigres won the one-sided encounter 3-1, but were already ahead on the away goals rule as early as the 18th minute when France international Andre-Pierre Gignac rose to head home a cross from the right to level the tie at 2-2.
Photo: AFP
Tigres doubled their lead five minutes before the break when Internacional leftback Geferson’s miscued clearance flew past his own goalkeeper from outside the box.
Former Internacional striker Rafael Sobis then had a penalty saved shortly after the break, but the reprieve was short-lived as Egidio Arevalo Rios’ diving header made it 3-0 to the hosts after 55 minutes.
Internacional, winners of the tournament in 2006 and 2010, did grab a consolation goal through Lisandro Lopez in the 88th minute, but were unable to find the goal that would have seen them advance on away goals in the little time that remained.
“They were very strong physically and very skilful, We knew it would be hard and we just could not find space,” Internacional midfielder Alex told reporters. “They got the first goal and gained in confidence. We were a bit slow in the opening period, but they were the better side here.”
Managed by Brazilian-born Ricardo Ferretti, Tigres now face River Plate, who have won the Libertadores twice before, in 1986 and 1996.
No Mexican side has ever won the tournament since they were admitted to South America’s version of the UEFA Champions League in 1998.
“It is another difficult rival just like Internacional, but anything can happen in a final and I can tell you that we will be very strong at home,” Tigres’ defender Juninho said.
The teams met twice in the group phase and drew both encounters, 1-1 in Mexico and 2-2 in Buenos Aires.
As Tigres are part of the CONCACAF region, River Plate are guaranteed a Club World Cup berth in Japan in December regardless of the result of the final, as representatives of the South American Football Confederation.
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