Key man
Juan Sebastián Verón
Still deemed a flop by Chelsea and Man Utd fans after the Red Devils paid a staggering GBP28million to Inter Milan for his services back in 2001; now 34, the bald-pated play maker has always been a divisive figure in Argentinian football. Known as ‘The Little Witch’, his pace and application have often been doubted, but his vision cannot be questioned. A superlative passer, his prowess for freekicks and long-range shots is legendary.
Also look out for
Mario Boselli
Despite not having had a prolific career prior to joining Estudiantes from Boca Junior, the battling 24-year-old Argentine hit blistering form last season, striking a total of 28 goals, bagging top-scorer in the Copa America and earning a recent call-up to Argentina’s national side. With good positioning and a lethal finish, he is an out-and-out goal threat.
Leandro Desábato
The talisman of Estudiantes’ backline, the spiky defender has had a chequered career. Known as ‘El Chavo’, what he lacks in pace he makes up for in brute force. He was the only outfield player on the team to play in every minute of every game during the Copa America run. A much needed defensive lynchpin.
How they got here
Estudiantes are no strangers to cup success, but 2009’s win against the much-fancied Cruzeiro (seeded five compared to Estudiantes’ lowly 10th seeding) was a bolt from the blue and their first cup win since their heyday in the late ’60s when they retained the Copa for three consecutive years. They achieved it through solid defensive displays, shutting out the opposition in industrious style. After a close home draw against the Brazilians, they won 2-0 away from home, with Verón taking Man of the Match for a powerhouse performance.
The history
Estudiantes, unsurprisingly, began as a student team – to be precise, a team of medical students, hence the bizarre nickname of ‘Los Pincharratas’ (or ‘the Rat Stabbers’), referring to the practice of medical testing (though some still say it is because their first training ground was infested by rats).
The coach
Alejandro Sabella
The slow-moving number 10 and former Estudiantes player earned the nickname of ‘slowcoach’ back in his playing days. His team has similarly methodical qualities, with their steady, solid play celebrating their coach’s former abilities of ball control and patience. But, despite this being his first managing job (at the age of 54), in his debut season he has managed to end Estudiantes’ 39-year wait for a trophy. Slow coach, indeed.
How they’ll fair
There is little that can surprise this solid Argentinian machine. Since last season they have lost their impressive goalkeeper Mariano Andújar, but Verón remains, and if they can keep him fit, he will be the key to challenging Barcelona. It might not be pretty to watch, though.
Prediction
Slow, unspectacular progress to the final, where only a Verón on top form can prevent a loss to likely challengers Barcelona.
