BUENOS AIRES, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) -- Estudiantes secured its first Argentine Primera Division title in 15 years with a 5-4 penalty shootout victory over Racing on Saturday.
After a dour struggle for most of the final, Adrian Martinez appeared to set Racing on course for victory when he broke the deadlock in the 81st minute at Unico Stadium in Santiago del Estero.
The 33-year-old forward capitalized on chaotic defending to chip the ball into an empty net after Uruguayan goalkeeper Fernando Muslera had rushed off his line.
But Estudiantes pressed for an equalizer and Guido Carrillo put his side on level terms with a bullet header after Jose Sosa's delivery from a set piece.
Thirty minutes of extra time failed to end the stalemate as the match went to a shootout. Colombian winger Edwuin Cetre missed with his side's second attempt when his tame effort was kept out by Facundo Cambeses.
But Muslera then saved Gaston Martirena's spot kick before Franco Pardo hit the post, sparking raucous celebrations among Estudiantes players and fans.
The victory marked Estudiantes' seventh top flight title and first since it won the 2010 Apertura tournament.
"It is incredible. I feel an inexplicable happiness," Carrillo said afterward. "This is the reward when you learn how to get back up and fight after being knocked down."
"I knew what we were capable of and this is testament to the character this group has shown."
The result hands Estudiantes a direct berth in the group stage of next year's Copa Libertadores, South America's equivalent of the UEFA Champions League. ■
