Brazilian side Gremio won their third Copa Libertadores crown on Wednesday with a 2-1 triumph over Argentina’s Lanus at La Fortaleza stadium – meaning they also secured qualification for the FIFA Club World Cup in the UAE in December.
They were the final side to do so and will now represent Conmebol (South American football) in the Middle East from December 6 to 16.
Gremio arrived in Argentina off a 1-0 win in the first leg of the final in Porto Alegre, and bolstered their advantage with first-half goals from Fernandinho and Luan.
Fernandinho’s blistering left-footed shot put the visitors up 1-0 in the 27th. Luan floated a shot over Lanus goalkeeper Esteban Andrada in the 42nd to double the advantage and cap a Copa that saw him named the best player of the 2017 edition of the South American club competition.
Although Lanus had produced four second-half goals against River Plate in the return leg of the semi-finals, there would be no miracle comeback this time.
Jose Sand converted a penalty in the 72nd to pull back one goal, but the Argentine side were denied a first Copa Libertadores title.
Gremio added their third title to those they won in 1983 and 1995.
A special win for Gremio.