Universidad into first Sudamericana final

Universidad into first Sudamericana final


Universidad de Chile reached their first Copa Sudamericana final by beating Vasco da Gama 2-0 in the second leg of their semi-final on Wednesday.

Goals from Gustavo Canales and Eduardo Vargas carried Universidad to their victory, and a 3-1 aggregate success over their Brazilian opponents.

Universidad will be competing in their first continental final when they take on Ecuadorian giants Liga de Quito. The first leg takes place in Quito next Thursday followed by the return leg in Santiago on 12 December.

Canales put Universidad ahead in the 30th minute after Vasco goalkeeper Fernando Prass parried a shot from Charles Aranguiz.

Vasco defender Fagner was sent off after 70 minutes for elbowing Canales, with Uruguayan referee Dario Ubriaco brandishing the red card.

Universidad took advantage of their extra man two minutes later when Vargas finished off a Eugenio Mena cross for his seventh goal in this year's competition.
"We want to clinch glory for the club. We have already made history by getting into the final.
Universidad midfielder Marcelo Diaz

Universidad midfielder Marcelo Diaz told Fox Sports: "We want to clinch glory for the club. We have already made history by getting into the final. Liga will be very tough rivals. Playing at high altitude in Quito will not be easy and they are a team who have won a lot of international titles recently. Anything can happen."

Vasco midfielder Juninho Pernambucano said the beaten Brazilians would quickly focus on their domestic league duties as they challenge for the title. He told Globo TV: "It's time to forget this defeat. It hurts a little bit, but we must beat Flamengo. Universidad are a good team, but not better than us."