This victory is dedicated to my friend MICAELA CAPPONI who is a big fan of Gimnasia de La Plata.

If the result of a game were to be determined based upon the team’s roster and previous results then Estudiantes would have clearly been the winner, but games last 90 minutes and have to be played.

Both teams came into this game with a different standing, Gimnasia needs every point to avoid relegation and remain on the first division. On the other side, Estudiantes, one of the most regular and effective clubs in the league, just returned from losing the finals of the club world cup to F.C. Barcelona, they are making a fine run in the league and will begin the Copa Libertadores next week.

This could also Mauro Boselli's last derby before he is transferred to the EPL.

The game was played at “El Bosque”, home of Gimnasia LP. Due to the incidents from their last encounter, there were no away fans. The field was packed with home fans despite the weather.

The game started fairly even, with Gimnasia and Estudiantes alternating chances in attack. Gimnasia broke the seal in the 45^th minute of the first half, when Denis Stracqualursi headed a cross that came from the left wing, and placed the ball right to the near post where Agustin Orion could not reach it.

The second half began with Gimnasia dominating the game, with a brilliant Marco Perez. The Colombian striker’s speed and power made him lethal. In the 24^th minute of the second half Marco Perez was brought down for a penalty kick. Denis Stracqualursi took the shot, but was deflected by Orion who at this time was becoming a key player on Estudiantes. But he held his head up high, and just 10 minutes later he put Gimnasia 2 goals up.

Estudiantes didn’t give up and pushed all their players into Gimnasia’s end. In the 43^rd minute of the second half, Gimnasia couldn’t clear a ball in the midfield, which was stolen by Estudiantes and Veron with all his class scored the first goal for Estudiantes. You could see the nerves on the players faces, and their actions said it too.

Gaston Sessa became a hero after stopping two one on ones and giving his team hope. When the game was almost over, Cuevas sealed the game for Gimnasia when Agustin Orion failed to clear the ball and allowed Cuevas to score on an open net.

Gimnasia beat their archrivals after 9 games and 5 years. Their last victory was in 2005, with a 4-1 victory. This game means a lot, not only for the result, but because there are 3 valuable points which will help them remain in the category. The hero of the night Stracqualursi; the foe Agustin Orion. Gimnasia beats Estudiantes and starts dreaming about avoiding relegation.

Later on tonight Boca Juniors will face Lanus, and tomorrow night River Plate will visit Chacarita Juniors in a game that promises to be of high intensity.

El clasico “Platense” – Gimnasia LP vs Estudiantes LP

The marquee matchup in this tournament is finally upon us. The two teams that were expected to be in the final of the Club World Cup are there. Estudiantes and Barca are ready to go at it and there are two teams that fit the bill for a cahracteristis matchup- history vs. hunger. The only difference here is that Barcelona and Estudiantes could fall on either side of this discussion. This is what makes this year's edition of the final so captivating.

Club World Cup Final Preview

It was the Argentine league sponsored by AARP. The stars of the weekend happened to be three of the elder statesmen of the league.

Ariel Ortega played a putrid 70-plus minutes until he assisted on the equalizer and scored the game-winner on a brilliant chip shot to put a moribund River Plate over Chacarita Juniors at the Monumental with what might be the goal of the week.

Boca's Martín Palermo concluded a tempestuous week where he was confronted by fans of the infamous La 12 over his statements regarding his desire to play for Estudiantes in the Club World Cup. Palermo connected on a Pablo Mouche corner beating everyone on the pitch and floating the header over former Boca goalkeeper Mauricio Caranta for the Xeneizewin at Lanús.

Juan Sebastián Verón was the general for Estudiantes coming in to the 144th edition of the La Plata derby and was the maestro as El Pincha demolished their cross-town rivals 3-0. Estudiantes were led by Juan Salgueiro who scored the first goal of the match and assisted on the Mauro Boselli score.

Vélez Sarsfield continues to roll. The reigning champs pounded Arsenal 3-1 at the José Amalfitani with goals by Nicolás Otamendi, Gabriel Perez, and
Maxi Moralez.


Friday

Tigre 1-2 Rosario Central

Racing 1-1 Colón

Saturday

Estudiantes 3-0 Gimnasia LP

Vélez Sarsfield 3-1 Arsenal

Godoy Cruz 1-1 San Lorenzo

Argentinos Jrs. 1-1 Banfield


Sunday

River Plate 4-3 Chacarita Juniors

Lanús 1-2 Boca Juniors

Newell's Old Boys 1-0 Huracán

Atlético Tucumán 2-4 Independiente

Argentine Apertura Week 2 Wrap

We all know that outside of Boca, Martín Palermo has an affection for Estudiantes. It was the team that saw him become a goalscorer per excellence and become one of the most most sought after young strikers in Argentina in the mid-90's.

His statistics with Boca Juniors all more then documented, but on Tuesday he mentioned one thing that kind of through people for a loop as the 2009 Apertura is getting ready to start.

Palermo mentioned today that he was more than willing to be considered for the Estudiantes roster that wil be heading to Dubai in December for the World Club Cup despite still playing for Boca Juniors.

"We'll see what happens in December," said Palermo after practice on Tuesday. "Several things would have to happen, but it would be a wonderful thing."

If the option is viable, Estudiantes will go for it. In fact they did that during their run to the Copa Lib title when they signed Newell's Old Boys defender Rolando Schiavi for the semifinals and the two matches against Cruzeiro.The probability at this stage is not viable although they everyone will have to watch which players come in during the transfer period.

Palermo "Dreams" Of Playing With Estudiantes In CWC

Despite concerns from Cruzeiro officials about the H1N1 outbreak in Argentina, the 1st leg of the Copa Libertadores final went off as scheduled. The atmosphere was intense at the Estadio Ciudad de La Plata as Estudiantes La Plata hosted Cruzeiro.

The two teams were in Group 5 of the group stage of the tournament. The Brazilians won the group, as they defeated Estudiantes 3-0 at the Mineirão in Belo Horizonte in their 1st game. Estudiantes won the 2nd meeting 4-0 at the Estadio Ciudad de La Plata. Despite all the goals in their previous matches in the group stage, with a trophy on the line, the two teams played to a 0-0 scoreline in the 1st leg of the 50th Copa Libertadores final.

After the smoke cleared from the opening pyrotechnics and flares from an excited crowd, the teams could get down to the business of trying to put their name on the Libertadores trophy. The match was a tight affair featuring an attack-minded home Estudiantes side and a calm defensive-minded visiting Cruzeiro team.

The Argentinians came out firing but were constantly denied by Cruzeiro captain, goalkeeper Fabio. In the 12th minute, Fabio saved a bending free kick by Estudiantes captain Juan Sebastián Verón. 5 minutes later, Fabio came up big again when Estudiantes forward Enzo Pérez broke into the box down the right side and blasted a shot that Fabio deflected over the bar. Just before half-time Verón volleyed a shot from 5 meters outside the box that was saved again by Fabio.

In the 2nd half, Fabio came to the rescue again saving back to back excellent opportunities by Estudiantes. Mauro Boselli was on the receiving end of an excellent through ball but his shot was denied by Fabio. The subsequent corner kick was headed by Estudiantes defender Leandro Desábato but Fabio's diving save kept the Estudiantes faithful from celebrating.

Cruzeiro mounted some pressure on the Estudiantes goal the last 25 minutes of the game with the best opportunity coming in the 80th minute when Cruzeiro's #10 Wagner sent in a bending ball from the left side that Estudiantes' keeper Mariano Andujar poorly judged and knocked right to Kléber who had a wide open goal in front of him as he stood just outside the 6 meter box. Kléber missed as Cruzeiro's chance at an important away goal and victory flew wide of the net.

By the time Uruguayan referee, Jorge Larrionda blew the final whistle neither side had scored and 0-0 would be the final result of the 1st leg. It was a scrappy and physical affair with 7 yellow cards and 2 bloodied Estudiantes players. The winner of 50th Copa Libertadores de América will be determined on Wednesday, July 15 in Brazil in Belo Horizonte at Cruzeiro's home ground of Estadio Mineirão.

Copa Libertadores Final - 1st Leg Wrap

Its that time again to crown the Mad About Fútbol Team Of The Week. In South America, the Copa Libertadores final was set and champions crowned. The MLS continues its season and the CONCACAF Gold Cup is underway. Remember that the Mad About Fútbol Team Of The Week played matches and/or made headlines during the calendar week of June 29-July 5.

The winner is:

CLUB ATLÉTICO VÉLEZ SÁRSFIELD (ARG)

El Fortín captured its 7th Argentine title on Sunday with a dramatic 1-0 over Huracán. The match was the last game of the 2009 Clausura and might have been the most memorable "championship" match in Argentine club football history. The game & trophy winning goal was scored in the 83rd minute by Maximiliano Moralez. After some 13 minutes of added time, the whistle blew and the Estadio José Amalfitani exploded as Vélez Sarsfield captured the title. Vélez was the only team to go the entire tournament undefeated at home and only lost once during the whole Clausura tournament. For their impressive championship campaign, Club Atlético Vélez Sársfield can add Mad About Fútbol Team Of The Week to their trophy case.

2nd Place = Club Estudiantes de La Plata (ARG)

Estudiantes La Plata had a successful week, beginning with their elimination of Nacional of Uruguay in the semifinals of the Copa Libertadores. On Wednesday, Estudiantes beat Nacional 2-1 in their 2nd leg semifinal tie to advance to the final by a 3-1 aggregate score. The La Plata side continued their excellent form on Sunday, with a 2-1 road win against River on the last day of the Argentine Clausura to finish 6th in the standings.

3rd Place = Chicago Fire (MLS)

The Chicago Fire moved to the top of the Eastern Conference on the strength of their 2-1 road win against the Colorado Rapids. Goals by Guatemalan forward Marco Pappa & Colombian forward Wilman Conde on Independence Day helped The Fire break a 3-game losing streak.

Congratulations to Bolivar and Cerro Porteño for winning their domestic tournaments over the past weekend. Bolivar captured its record 16th domestic title in winning the Bolivian Apertura and Cerro Porteño won its record 28th domestic title by capturing the Paraguayan Apertura.

MAF Team Of The Week #18: June 29-July 5

The final of the 50th Anniversary of the Copa Libertadores is set. It will feature a club match up of Brazil vs. Argentina. The continent wanted to see a Brazil-Argentina final with Sao Paulo FC vs. CA Boca Juniors as the two marquee names. However, 30+ clubs had a different idea and the Sao Paulo-Boca Juniors did not materialize. Instead the 50th Copa Libertadores final will feature:

Cruzeiro vs. Estudiantes-La Plata


On Wednesday, Estudiantes de La Plata secured their place in the 2009 Copa Libertadores final with a 2-1 win in Montevideo in the 2nd leg of their semifinal encounter with Uruguay's Nacional. The scoreline gave Estudiantes a 3-1 aggregate victory. Ex-Boca Juniors forward Mauro Boselli scored twice in the 2nd half to seal the Argentine side's place in the final.

The result was a bit of revenge for Estudiantes because in 1971, Nacional of Uruguay defeated Estudiantes in the Libertadores final and prevented El Pincha from winning a 4th consecutive Libertadores title. This will be Estudiantes 5th appearance in a Libertadores final and their 1st since the run of 4 straight appearances that ended in 1971.

2nd Leg = Nacional (URU) 1 - 2 Estudiantes LP (ARG)
NAC: Alexander Medina (77')
EST: Mauro Boselli (53' & 90'+1')
Estudiantes advances to final, 3-1 on aggregate.


On Thursday night, the Olímpico Monumental was electric as Grêmio looked to overcome a 3-1 1st leg deficit against Cruzeiro in their semifinal encounter. However, Cruzeiro wasn't having it as Wellington Paulista scored twice in 2 minutes in the 35th & 37th minutes to end Grêmio's title hopes. Two late goals by the Tricolor Gaucho couldn't stop Cruzeiro from advancing.

The 2-2 scoreline in the 2nd leg gave Cruzeiro the 5-3 aggregate victory. The Belo Horizonte side will play in its 4th ever Libertadores final. Cruzeiro is looking for their 3rd Libertadores title, a mark that would equal São Paulo FC for the most Libertadores titles by a Brazilian club. Cruzeiro last lifted the trophy in 1997 and is the 5th different Brazilian club to reach the final in the last 5 years.

2nd leg = Grêmio (BRA) 2 - 2 Cruzeiro (BRA)
GRE: Réver (55') & Souza (75')
CRZ: Wellington Paulista (35' & 37')
Cruzeiro advances to final, 5-3 on aggregate.

The 1st leg of the final will be held on Wednesday, July 8th in La Plata at Estadio Ciudad de La Plata. The 2nd leg will take place a week later in Belo Horizonte at Estadio Mineirão.

Brazil vs. Argentina in Copa Lib Final

It's been 38 years since a group of players changed the way the game was played. 39 years since Osvaldo Juan Zubeldía took Estudiantes to the peak of continental glory for the last time. It was a wonderful time to be a fan of El Pincha. During a four-year period Estudiantes and Copa Libertadores finals walked hand-in-hand. Former Argentine international Carlos Bilardo (the same Bilardo that would lead Argentina to World Cup glory in 1986) said something that irritated his bitter rivals a great deal back then. "We are Gimnasia's rivals. They aren't ours anymore. Our rivals are teams like Manchester United, AC Milan, and Feyenoord". I don't consider it arrogance. It was more like swagger and Estudiantes had it.

Zubeldía led a group of disciplined as well as talented players that were tactically loyal to what their coach told them. This along with a heavy dose of mental toughness, and a dash of talent made them the most important team in South American football of the late 60's and early 70's. Zubledía became the most influential coach in South American football and brought to life concepts that we consider so simple such as the ability to attack the near post on a set play. His side became the team by playing the role of giant-killer in 1968 when they got past defending former champs Independiente, Peñarol, defending champ Racing Club, and Brazilian powerhouse Palmeiras in the finals. The following year they would defeat Uruguayan giant Nacional and then would complete the trifecta toppling Peñarol.

If there was a negative to the legacy of the Estudiantes teams of this era was the simple fact that Brazilian teams were not taking part in the tournament due to a discrepancy in the way the tournament was being organized in '69 and '70. It was a big absence as teams like Santos, Botafogo, Flamengo, Vasco Da Gama, and a host of other Brazilian powerhouses were missing from the international fray. But there was no doubt that Estudiantes was the best team out there regardless of who was placed in front of them.

Players like Juan Ramón Verón, Carlos Bilardo, and Raúl Madero were the nucleus of this team and they forever established a style of play at the club. All of them gave the team that mix of toughness, smarts, and flat out brilliance that they needed in order to become such a successful side.

Now almost four decades later Juan Ramón's son, Juan Sebastián, is leading the same team that he grew up living and dying with to yet another Libertadores final against another Brazilian powerhouse.

Estudiantes vs. Manchester United- 1968 Intercontinental Final First Leg


Estudiantes vs. Feyenoord- 1970 Intercontinental First Leg

Back In Time: Estudiantes 1968-70

Oh man, I wish I was that ball. That picture gives new meaning to the phrase, "The Beautiful Game." Whatever the case, its that time to give out the Mad About Fútbol Team Of The Week. This week saw the 1st leg of both Champions League & UEFA Cup semifinals as well as the finalization of the Round of 16 of the Copa Libertadores and domestic matches all over the world. This week's TOW made headlines and/or played matches during the calendar week of April 27-May 3. The winner is:

FUTBOL CLUB BARCELONA (ESP)

Barcelona is the Mad About Fútbol Team Of The Week for their 6-2 crushing of Real Madrid on Saturday. Granted their 0-0 draw on Tuesday in their 1st leg Champions League semifinal against Chelsea wasn't impressive, in the biggest game of the season Barca came out and blasted their arch-rival in their arch-rival's house. Blaugrana responded immediately to Real's goals in a game that ended any talk of who is Spain's best team. 2 goals each from Thierry Henry and Lionel Messi in the Spanish SuperClasico massacre. The annihilation was the perfect bounce back from the disappointing CL result. For their 6-2 demolition of Real Madrid in the Santiago Bernabeu, Futbol Club Barcelona is the Mad About Fútbol Team Of The Week.

2nd Place = Sport Club Corinthians Paulista (BRA)

The team known as O Timão finishes 2nd place this week after winning their 26th Paulista Championship. They defeated Santos 4-2 on aggregate with World Cup All-Time Leading Goalscorer Ronaldo leading the way with 2 goals in the 2 leg finals. Corinthians is believed to be the 2nd most supported side in Brazil with Flamengo being number #1. Timão were the 1st team to go undefeated in the Paulista tournament in 37 years.

3rd Place = Club Estudiantes de La Plata (ARG)

The Argentinians get 3rd place for their impressive 3-0 win over Lanus on the road in the Clausura. Estudiantes' performance prevented Lanus from moving into 1st place in the tournament. The men from La Plata are unbeaten in their last 6 Clausura matches and face Libertad of Paraguay in the Round of 16 of the Copa Libertadores.

MAF Team Of The Week #10: April 27 - May 3