2010 Copa Libertadores Winner is Internacional, So Mexico’s Wait Continues

Brazil’s Internacional are your Copa Libertadores 2010 winners after beating Mexico’s Guadalajara 3-2 in Brazil last night, and 5-3 on aggregate over two legs. Seems 2010 is the year for clubs named Inter to win continental titles.

Inter started the game with a 2-1 lead from the first leg in Mexico, and so maybe expected to coast home at the Beira-Rio stadium, but Chivas were level on aggregate at halftime via a superb turn and scissor volley from Marco Fabian. Inter’s reclaimed the lead when an unmarked Rafael Sobis met a cross from Kleber in the 61st minute, and then extended their lead through Giuliano in the 76th and Giuliano in the 89th, before Omar Bravo (now a Kansas City Wizards DP, but on loan at Guadalajara until MLS 2011) scored a consolation.

Video of Copa Libertadores goals below:

For a more detailed match report, read Mauro’s account on Copa Liberatadores Offside. There was apparently some unpleasantness before kickoff, with both national anthems being disrespected, and a brawl after the final whistle. Here’s video of that brawl, followed by Mauro’s description:

The rumor is that one of the younger assistants that was brought onto the pitch to put together the stage for the trophy ceremony, spat and yelled at Marco Fabian. Hector Reynoso retaliated by walking over towards the Inter players and swinging at someone who looked like an assistant coach. All hell broke loose. I saw white Chivas shirts surrounded by red Inter shirts. I saw old men (possibly part of the coaching staff?) swinging and kicking at Chivas players and by the time everyone was broken up Patricio Araujo had a split eyebrow.

Sounds like a case of bad losers and bad winners. But winners and losers nonetheless. Internacional picked up a second Copa Libertadores trophy (handed to captain Bolívar by Pele in above image) to go with their first in 2006, while Guadalajara’s defeat means we’re still waiting for a Mexican team to lift the Libertadores.

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Category: South America