October holds special significance for Peñarol, one of Uruguay's most iconic clubs. It is a time to remember their rich history and celebrate achievements that have left a mark on the continent. In particular, October marks the anniversary of Peñarol's fifth triumph in the CONMEBOL Libertadores, a feat achieved in 1987 that solidified the club as one of the tournament's great dominators.

The Feat of 1987: The Road to the Fifth Star

October 31, 1987, is a date etched in the memory of Peñarol fans. On that day, they were crowned CONMEBOL Libertadores champions for the fifth time, after defeating América de Cali in one of the most dramatic finals in the tournament's history. Under the guidance of Óscar Washington Tabárez, the team displayed unbreakable character and high-quality football that led them to glory.

The 1987 campaign was a true example of resilience and determination. Peñarol overcame the group stage facing tough opponents like Nacional and Cobreloa. In the knockout stages, they eliminated Independiente, one of the favorites. The final against América de Cali was intense and was decided in the third match, played in Santiago, Chile. There, a last-minute goal by Diego Aguirre in extra time sealed the 1-0 victory, unleashing the euphoria of the aurinegro fans.

Key Figures of the Campaign:

• Diego Aguirre: The undisputed protagonist of the final, he scored the decisive goal in extra time and earned an eternal place in Peñarol's history. He was a starter that day in Santiago and scored five goals throughout the 1987 competition.

• Fernando Álvez: The goalkeeper was a wall between the posts, especially in the most critical moments of the final.

• José Perdomo and Jorge Cabrera: Key players in the midfield, they provided solidity and creativity to the team.

A 2024 Resurgence: Peñarol Semifinalists with Diego Aguirre at the Helm

This year, Peñarol once again demonstrated their cup pedigree by reaching the semifinals of the Copa Libertadores, a return to the decisive stages not seen in a long time. Interestingly, the head coach is once again Diego Aguirre, the hero of 1987, who has returned to the club to lead an ambitious project aimed at reviving past glories.

In this edition, Peñarol displayed solid and gritty football, reminiscent of those glorious campaigns. The Manya fell in the semifinals to Botafogo but once again made their fans dream of reaching a new CONMEBOL Libertadores final, which they have not achieved since 2011.

Leandro Fernández was the standout player of the team, showcasing his playing ability and goal-scoring prowess. He became the main reference in the aurinegro attack. He was crucial in the decisive moments of the tournament, providing vital goals and assists. His connection with the midfield and his ability to appear in crucial moments reminded fans of the dedication and grit of past idols.

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