Lanús were tonight confirmed as champions of the 2013 Copa Sudamericana, downing Sao Paulo side Ponte Preta 2-0 in front of a packed home stadium to win the final tie 3-1 on aggregate.
Victor Ayala had broken the game open for the South Buenos Aires team, who drew 1-1 in the first leg, while Ismael Blanco also struck in the opening 45 minutes to put his side in the ascendancy.
Despite coming up against a fearsome Ponte Preta rearguard who were not too fussy whether they tackled the man or the ball, Lanús were the most dangerous team going forward in the first half.
Their reward came after 24 minutes. An excellent team move that started just inside the opposition half was converted by Paraguayan midfielder Victor Ayala, who poked the ball home from short range to put the Grana 2-1 up on aggregate.
The Brazilians kept fighting, but were dealt another hammer blow seconds before half time. A strong header from Santiago Silva was saved by Ponte Preta keeper Roberto, but he could do nothing to stop Ismael Blanco who followed up the rebound and buried it in the back of the net.
Lanús have the chance to complete a stunning double as they prepare for the last round of the Inicial on Sunday, although the best they can hope for is to force a play-off with San Lorenzo if the Grana down Newell’s Old Boys and the current leaders drop points.
Fuente: Buenos Aires Herald