Paraguay's Olimpia advance to Libertadores final

Bogota, July 10 (IANS)

Paraguayan club Olimpia advanced to the final of the Copa Libertadores football with a 2-1 aggregate victory over Colombian outfit Independiente Santa Fe.

A Wilder Medina strike gave the hosts a 1-0 victory in the second leg at El Campin here Tuesday but the Colombians were eliminated by virtue of a 0-2 defeat in Asuncion last week, reports Xinhua.

Olimpia goalkeeper Martin Silva, who made a string of fine reflex saves to deny Santa Fe in the second half, praised the effort of his team mates.

“I am happy for everyone. We gave our heart and believed in ourselves and that is what has taken us this far,” Silva said.

The result continues an unlikely run of results for the Asuncion-based side in South America’s most coveted club competition.

Ever Almeida’s team only sneaked into the competition’s group stage via the qualifying round in January.

The club is said to be in a dire financial state and players have reportedly not been paid since September last year.

Olimpia will face the winner of the other semi final between Brazil’s Atletico Mineiro and Argentina’s Newell’s Old Boys in the two-legged title clash slated for July 17 and July 24.

Newell’s Old Boys won the first leg 2-0 with Wednesday’s return match to be played at Atletico’s Arena Independencia in Belo Horizonte.