Santos celebrate Copa success

Santos fans have been celebrating their first Copa Libertadores title for almost 50 years.

The Brazilian club were crowned champions of South America for the third time after beating Uruguay’s Penarol 2-1 in the second leg of the final in Sao Paulo on Wednesday.

After a 0-0 draw in the first leg in Montevideo, goals from Neymar and Danilo were enough to give Santos the win, while Penarol pulled one back late through an own-goal from Santos defender Durval.

With 19-year-old wunderkind Neymar reported to be on the verge of signing a big-money deal with Real Madrid, Santos coach Muricy Ramalho – fresh from leading the club to their first Copa Libertadores since 1963 – said he was keen to keep the striker.

“Teams that win a lot like Santos add a lot of value to their players,” Ramalho said.

“But the team’s managers for sure – and this has been discussed – will do everything they can to keep our players.”

“We will also try to stop our players from moving club. However we know this will be difficult.”

Hundreds of passionate supporters gathered outside the stadium to celebrate the win, with many of them not alive when the club last tasted Copa Libertadores success, led by the legendary Pele.

“This is a dream come true,” Santos fan Rafael Mendes said.

“I’m 29 years old and I have never seen my team win this title and today I saw it happen. This is unforgettable. Go Santos.”

Santos’ victory means they have qualified for the FIFA Club World Cup in December.