This Day in History: 2022-12-13
Nr. 364
PENAROL WIN COPA LIBERTADORES (1960)
In June 1960 the Uruguayan side Penarol became the first winners of the Copa Libertadores, the tournament for the national champions of each of the South American nations. The champions from Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Bolivia, Uruguay, Chile and Colombia contested the first tournament. In the first round Penarol beat the Bolivian champions Wilstermann 8-2 before overcoming the Argentinians San Lorenzo 3-2 in the semi-final. In the twolegged final Penarol triumphed 2-1 on aggregate over Olimpia of Paraguay. Penarol would successfully defend their title in 1961 with victory over Palmeiras in the final.
Penarol in action during a friendly against Celtic. The Copa Libertadores, however, was always fiercely fought with national pride at stake.
