Gremio defeat Lanus to win third Copa Libertadores crown

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Getty Images

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Brazilian side Gremio secured their third Copa Libertadores title 3-1 on aggregate after a 2-1 second leg final victory over Lanus in Argentina on Wednesday.

Gremio, who previously won the competition in 1983 and 1995, handed coach Renato Portaluppi -- who was the star of the 1983 side -- his first continental title as a manager through goals from Fernandinho and Luan.

Meanwhile, Lanus, who have never won the Libertadores, managed a Jose Sand consolation strike to ensure at least some joy on a disappointing night at the Estadio Ciudad de Lanus.

After a 1-0 win in Porto Alegre last week, Gremio nabbed a critical away goal after just 27 minutes -- Fernandinho picking up the ball at midfield and out-pacing a pair of defenders before powering his shot past a helpless Esteban Andrada in goal.

Luan then sensationally put the tie out of reach three minutes before the break. Getting the ball on the left, the Brazil international cut in from the wing, dribbled past a trio of defenders and calmly chipped a scrambling Andrada from inside the box.

Lanus gave the home fans something to cheer about in the 72nd minute, when Sand converted from the spot after Lautaro Acosta was pulled down by Jailson in the box. 

But it was too little, too late for the Argentines as Gremio became the first Brazilian club to lift the trophy since a Ronaldinho-led Atletico Mineiro in 2013.