Tributes are being paid in Argentina to one of Estudiantes’ heroes against Manchester United in 1968.
After winning the European Cup in 1968 with a 4-1 win over Benfica, Sir Matt Busby’s side were entered into the Intercontinental Cup for the first time.
This pitted Estudiantes up against Manchester United over two legs, with the Argentine side emerging as 2-1 winners over two legs.
Marcos Conigliaro scored the winning goal for Estudiantes in the first leg. He has passed away at the age of 83.
Marcos Conigliaro passes away
Argentine outlet TyC Sports described Marcos Conigliaro as “one of the most emblematic names in the history of Estudiantes de La Plata.
“In that series against the mighty Manchester United, the striker scored a decisive goal in the first leg at La Bombonera, paving the way to glory. That feat made him an eternal figure for the fans.”
Conigliaro scored 46 goals for Estudiantes between 1965 and 1970, none more important than his first leg strike against United.
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The ties against Estudiantes became renowned for the physical aggression shown by the Argentine team.
Argentina had been knocked out of the World Cup two years earlier by an England side boasting United stars Bobby Charlton and Nobby Stiles, and Estudiantes were especially keen to prove a point.
They won the first leg 1-0 and held Manchester United to a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford, winning 2-1 on aggregate.
Newspaper La Nacion report of Conigliaro’s death: “Estudiantes bids farewell to one of its greatest heroes, a simple and unassuming man, an intelligent attacker with a powerful shot.
“Conigliaro was essentially a center forward, very fast and intelligent, with a great shot, whom Zubeldía, with his strategic acumen, made shine playing on the right wing.”
It is also relayed how in one of his final public appearances, Conigliaro revealed how Estudiantes’ team talk was focused on trying to stop George Best creating havoc for their defence.
Conigliaro was quoted: “The first ones to wake up on the day of the match were Zubeldía [coach], who was an early riser, and Tato Medina, who was so nervous he hadn’t been able to sleep.
“While preparing mate, Zubeldía told Tato: ‘To be world champions, you can’t let George Best cross the ball once.’ And that’s exactly what happened.”
Estudiantes de La Plata v River Plate - Superliga 2019/20
Photo by Marcos Brindicci/Getty Images
Tribute from Juan Veron
Former Manchester United midfielder Juan Sebastian Veron is the current president of Estudiantes, the club where he began and ended his career.
Veron paid tribute to Conigliaro in a statement: “Today we say goodbye to a true club legend. You left an enormous legacy, both on and off the field.
“For many, you were an idol… for me, a father. Your departure hurts deeply, but we offer eternal thanks for everything you gave us… We will never forget you here.”
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Juan Ramon Veron died in 2025
There is a deep family connection for Juan Veron, his own father Juan Ramon Veron was also part of the Estudiantes 1968 champions.
Juan Ramon Veron even scored Estudiantes’ goal at Old Trafford to give them a 2-0 aggregate advantage, before United pulled a consolation goal back through Willie Morgan.
In May 2025, Estudiantes announced the death of Juan Ramon Veron at the age of 81.
In the space of 12 months, Estudiantes’ two goalscorers across both legs against Manchester United have passed away.
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