Harmless Barcelona SC, without soul and without quality in most of the players, could not do anything in the away game at La Plata, where they were defeated by Estudiantes. Against the club he played against on a memorable day in the semi-finals of the 1971 Copa Libertadores, also away, the Astillero side produced one of their most unlucky performances since 1961, when they began competing in international tournaments. The match for Barcelona SC ended before the 20th minute.

Mauro Méndez (5 and 19 minutes), Benjamín Rollheiser (37) and Guido Carrillo (48) scored for the pincharrates, who brilliantly overturned a loss (1-2) last week in Guayaquil to seal the series 5-2 on aggregate playoffs South American Cup.

Here’s what several newspapers in Buenos Aires had to say about Estudiantes’ overwhelming victory over what appeared to be sparring.

Day: “Estudiantes beat Barcelona from Ecuador with football and goals. El Pincha swept his opponent off the field and left no doubts. It went over Barcelona in La Plata, which they smashed without question 4:0, returning a good part of the attributes it had until a few dates ago. Estudiantes came back to have the toughness and attacking verve they had lost. Once again, he led the game from start to finish and left a smaller football rival who took advantage of the weather conditions and little else on his field. He left no doubt that he was more and better than Barcelona, ​​in terms of dedication, speed and idea of ​​the game”.

ole: Estudiantes organized their very favorite swimming night party. He executed almost everything he proposed to perfection. He stabbed daggers when he had the chance to invent. After losing 2-1 in the first leg, he danced Barcelona de Guayaquil. He knocked it down with great authority, entered the round of 16 of the South American and caused the euphoria of his fans. El Pincha dominated from start to finish. Above all, he showed exceptional offensive power. He beat Barcelona. He never let him react.”

Nation: “Estudiantes made a festival at home, demolished Barcelona and are still in the race in La Plata, beating Ecuador 4-0 to reach the round of 16 of the Copa Sudamericana. In the 18th minute, it was already 2-0. Estudiantes wiped Barcelona off the map. The Ecuadorian team was deflated, nervous in defense, indecisive in attack. He never believed in going back. Barcelona hardly created any danger, only a few attacks by Damián Díaz, who came on for the inexpressive Fernando Gaibor, erratic passing through Independiente de Avellaneda ”.

Clarion: “The people who took over Stadium One again had confidence, but they did not imagine such a convincing performance by Estudiantes de La Plata against Barcelona in Ecuador. All the time he was breaking through the space defended by Segundo Portocarrero, all the time outmatched by his rivals. With peace due to the consummated victory, the place was not destabilized by the changes made by the coach of Barcelona, ​​who was encouraged to improve the team a little more, although this did not worry him at all”.

popular newspapers: “Estudiantes de La Plata won, lost and loved it. He overcame his opponent during 90 minutes and left no doubts. The tactical play of Eduardo Domínguez, who nullified the virtues of Ecuador’s Barcelona, ​​and the perfect execution of footballer Pincho, who will face Goiás and can easily be one of the contenders to win the Copa Sudamericana. Estudiantes came out on Barcelona’s pass, and after 5 minutes they were already celebrating 1-0. Barcelona was reduced to a minimum, and managed to get close to the pincharrate zone only with individual attacks by Coroz. Come closer, no more than that.” (D)