Universidad de Chile defied the odds against LDU Quito in the Copa Sudamericana final by winning 1-0 in Quito, and now hold all the aces going into the second leg next week.
Eduardo Vargas scored the only goal of the game just before half time for the Chileans, who are on the verge of a historic 2011.
Notwithstanding their advantage in the Copa Sudamericana (La U have never won a continental title and could be the first Chilean team to win a continental title since Colo Colo won the Copa Libertadores in 1991), Jorge Sampaoli's team could also win both the Apertura and Clausura in the same year.
Despite the issue of the altitude, Universidad settled into their rhythm early on and probed for an opening goal, with Matías Rodríguez, Marcelo Díaz and Albert Acevedo all having opportunities. The hosts were not shot-shy themselves, but first Néicer Reasco was denied by Johnny Herrera before Claudio Bieler shot wide.
However, the Ecuadorians should have taken the lead shortly before half time when Ezequiel González sent an inviting cross into the six yard box, but Hernán Barcos contrived to miss the target and sent his shot over the crossbar.
Liga were to pay the price for that miss when, just moments later, a fine ball was played through the defence for Vargas to run on to, and the 22-year-old neatly rounded the onrushing keeper to score into an empty net.
Both teams had opportunities to score in the second half, with the hosts pressing forward in the latter stages of the game as they desperately sought an equaliser, but La U held on to record a priceless victory.
The second leg of the match takes place next Wednesday evening in Santiago (Thursday morning at 00.15 GMT for European viewers).
Line-ups:
LDU Quito: Domínguez; Reasco (Gámez), Guagua, Araujo, Calderón; Hidalgo, Acosta, Ambrosi; González; Bieler (Bolaños), Barcos.
Universidad de Chile: Herrera; Acevedo, O. González, M. González, Rojas; Rodríguez, Aránguiz (Marino), Díaz, Mena; Vargas (Magalhaes), Canales (Castro).
