On November 13, 1966, a historic football match took place at the Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti in Buenos Aires, Argentina. This match was the second leg of the Copa Libertadores final between River Plate of Argentina and Peñarol of Uruguay. The first leg, played in Montevideo, had ended in a 2-0 victory for Peñarol, putting River Plate in a difficult position for the return leg.
The atmosphere was electric as over 100,000 passionate fans packed the stadium, creating an intimidating environment for the visiting Uruguayan side. River Plate, determined to overcome the two-goal deficit, started the match with incredible intensity. The Argentine team's efforts paid off in the 35th minute when forward Juan Carlos Sarnari scored a crucial goal, reducing the aggregate score to 2-1.
The second half saw River Plate continue to dominate possession and create numerous scoring opportunities. In the 58th minute, the stadium erupted as Ermindo Onega found the back of the net, leveling the aggregate score at 2-2. The momentum had clearly shifted in favor of the home team.
As the minutes ticked away, both teams fought hard for the decisive goal. The tension reached its peak in the 76th minute when River Plate's Uruguayan midfielder, José Ramos Delgado, scored a spectacular goal from outside the box. The strike sent the crowd into a frenzy and gave River Plate a 3-2 aggregate lead.
Peñarol, desperate to equalize, pushed forward in the closing stages of the match. However, River Plate's defense held strong, and the Argentine side managed to hold on to their lead until the final whistle. The stadium erupted in celebration as River Plate secured a 3-2 aggregate victory, becoming the champions of the 1966 Copa Libertadores.
This triumph marked River Plate's first Copa Libertadores title and solidified their status as one of the greatest teams in Argentine football history. The comeback victory against Peñarol is still remembered as one of the most epic matches in the tournament's history, showcasing the passion, skill, and determination of South American football.
The 1966 Copa Libertadores final also highlighted the intense rivalry between Argentine and Uruguayan football, a rivalry that continues to this day. The match served as a testament to the incredible talent and competitiveness of both nations, and it remains a beloved moment in the rich history of South American football.
In the years that followed, River Plate would go on to win numerous domestic and international titles, cementing their place among the most successful clubs in world football. However, for many fans, the 1966 Copa Libertadores final against Peñarol will always hold a special place in their hearts as a defining moment in the club's history.
This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
