BUENOS AIRES, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) -- A second-half goal from Guido Carrillo fired Estudiantes to a 1-0 victory over Defensa y Justicia in the Copa Argentina final on Wednesday.

Estudiantes took the lead just after halftime when goalkeeper Enrique Bologna palmed away Pablo Piatti's cross from the right byline only for Carrillo to smash home the rebound.

Defensa y Justicia's hopes of a comeback all but vanished after Alexis Soto was shown a second yellow card for a bad challenge on Fernando Zuqui six minutes from time.

Estudiantes was also reduced to 10 men in the 95th minute as Piatti was booked for a second time in 10 minutes for an ugly foul on Gabriel Alanis.

But Eduardo Dominguez's men held on to secure the trophy and a berth in next year's Copa Libertadores group stage.

"The players began to believe in themselves and positioned themselves to win something," an elated Dominguez said.

"I want to thank them for believing in me, for supporting each other and for always wanting to push forward," he added. Enditem

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