There have been few teams in the history of soccer that have left such an indelible mark as Brazil's Santos. Or rather "Pele's Santos," because that was the nickname the team was known by, recognized and admired around the world, under the brilliant light of the great talent of striker #10.
There have been few teams in the history of soccer that have left such an indelible mark as Brazil's Santos. Or rather "Pele's Santos," because that was the nickname the team was known by, recognized and admired around the world, under the brilliant light of the great talent of striker #10.
In 1962 he had been crowned the best in America by winning the Copa Libertadores Tournament and a year later, precisely on September 11th, the team went on to defeat Boca Juniors and claim their second Libertadores Title in 1963.
As the defending champions they entered the semifinals and eliminated Botafogo, another extraordinary team with great stars to the likes of Garrincha, Nilton Santos and Zagalo. Pele's squad played as the visiting team in the first leg game at the Pacaembu stadium, in an affair where Carioca went ahead with a goal from Jair Bala, but in the final minute, Pele scored the equalizer.
The story was different at the Maracana. Santos's superiority was overwhelming, to the point that at half an hour of play they already prevailed 3-0. All the goals were by the incomparable Pele. At the end, Lima added the final 4-0, and would propel them to the final against Boca Juniors, who also had a great semifinal result against Penarol. The Argentinean squad, with a historical story of guts and fervor, had come to put their trust on their front line made up by: Ernesto Grillo, Angel Clemente Rojas, Norberto Menendez, José Sanfilippo and Alberto Gonzalez.
On September 4th, the first leg game was played at the Maracana Stadium, in a match of great offensive trend. As was their style, Santos was relentless in the initial half hour, which gave them a 3-0 lead with goals from Coutinho (2) and Lima. But Boca Juniors was not intimidated nor handicap by the local fans, and fought back with two goals from Jose Francisco Sanfilippo, and left the game with many illusions.
The venue was set for the final on September 11th at the "Bombonera" stadium. After a scoreless first half, the ineffable Sanfilippo opened the scoring in the 47th minute, igniting "Boca" to dream. But just four minutes later, Coutinho equalized and Pele followed with what became the 2-1 winning score.
Line-ups:
Boca Juniors: Nestor Errea; Rubén Magdalena, Orlando; Carmelo Simeone, Antonio Rattin, Alcides Silveira; Ernesto Grillo, Angel Clemente Rojas, Norberto Menendez, José Sanfilippo, Alberto Gonzalez.
Santos: Gilmar; Mauro, Geraldinho; Dalmo, Zito, Calvet; Dorval, Lima, Coutinho, Pele, Pepe.
