Arthur graduates in front of Barcelona's Robert Fernandez
Defeated Lanus (1-2), won the Libertadores with Gremio and was chosen as man of the match
He had to go off after 50 minutes because of a twisted ankle
It was Arthur's big night. Gremio, who had a 1-0 advantage from the first leg, beat Lanus 2-1 to win the Copa Libertadores for the third time in their history.
The young centre-midfielder, 21, showed all his best virtues ahead of Barcelona's sporting director Robert Fernandez at La Fortaleza.
In the first half Arthur was the conductor for Gremio, who were much better than Lanus. Renato Gaucho's side went 2-0 up with goals from Fernandinho in the 27th minute and Luan three before half-time.
The stats show Arthur's influence. He was the player who touched the ball most, 47 times, and who won the most duels - 10 of the 13 he participated in.
Lanus only knew violence and intimidation to stop him. A tackle by Pasquini at the end of the first half wiped im out. He left the pitch having received medical help.
He tried to play in the second period but after 50 minutes had to come off with a damaged ankle, crying. He completed 88.2 per cent of his passes.
The time he spent on the pitch was enough to convince Robert Fernandez that he's a special footballer. The sporting director will return to Barcelona having observed him twice, in South America's biggest club competition.
Conmebol knew how to reward him for his display, deciding he was man of the match in the final. Nobody knew how to control the game better than he did, showing maturity beyond his years, in the most important game he has played until now in his career.
Without Arthur, Gremio lost control of the game and played more defensively.
