River Plate reach Copa Libertadores final with 2-1 win in Gremio
Away goals triumph sealed by injury-time penalty
River will face Palmeiras or old rivals Boca Juniors in the decider
River Plate are the first team into the Copa Libertadores final after a dramatic come-from-behind 2-1 win over holders Gremio on Tuesday, seeing them through on away goals.
Having secured a 1-0 first-leg victory in Buenos Aires, Leonardo Gomes doubled Gremio’s aggregate lead late in the first half.
Despite dominating possession, River faced seemingly certain elimination only for Rafael Santos Borre to pull a goal back with eight minutes remaining, before Gonzalo Martinez nervelessly crashed home an injury-time winner from the penalty spot.
River Plate will meet the winner of the other semi-final between Boca Juniors and Palmeiras, with a spot at the FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2018 also on the line.
River will be chasing their fourth continental title and first since 2015.