ABU DHABI // As Estudiantes prepare to come face-to-face with Spanish champions Barcelona, their president Ruben Matias said that victory in tomorrow night's Club World Cup final would be the club's greatest achievement in 40 years. Beating Manchester United to win the Intercontinental Cup in 1968 ranks as the Argentine club's greatest moment and Matias believed a triumph on Saturday would rival that.
"It is not easy to play Barcelona or to play at their level, but we are a strong team too," he said. "What is important is the result - to win. Winning the tournament would be the most important thing for the club in 40 years." The Copa Libertadores holders booked their place in the final with a 2-1 victory over South Korea's Pohang Steelers on Tuesday night, and the Matias is confident they can repeat their strong performance against the European champions.
He acknowledged defeating Barcelona will be a tough challenge, but believed Estudiantes had the ability to upset the Primera Liga champions. "I didn't watch Barcelona play Altante [on Tuesday]. We know Barcelona and how they play. They are the favourites in this tournament," said Matias. "The only thing you want when you are in a final like this is to win. "We will go to win. Not to - as we say in Spanish - give any gifts for anyone. We are confident about the team. They can play well against Barcelona."
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