The 'Loco' Gatti dived to his left and saved Vanderley’s penalty. Boca were crowned continental champions for the first time in their history. Their opponents were Brazilian team Cruzeiro, and after a 1-0 home win each it was necessary to play a third game, ended 0-0 after extra time and resolved on penalties. This was a dream come true after the 1963 defeat in the final against Pele’s Santos. Boca had eliminated River, Defensor, Peñarol, Libertad and Deportivo Cali. They reached the final against Cruzeiro, the strong defending champions, who counted on several national players and had never lost. The game at La Bombonera ended 1-0 thanks to a Carlo Veglio’s goal, but the defeat in Belo Horizonte lead to a playoff. On that occasion, Boca played in white and Gatti became an immortal idol thanks to that tenth penalty. It was the first international star and many more would come.

The 2-2 draw at home with Borussia Mönchengladbach was a dull and the Europeans were favourites for the second game. In Germany however, 'Toto' Lorenzo fielded a squad that tactically disoriented the hosts to the point that with just 35 minutes gone the odds had changed. Felman, Mastrángelo and Salinas scored the goals on that cold night of August 1, 1978. Back in Argentina, Boca qualified directly to the semis of the Libertadores as defending champions and eliminated River and then Cruzeiro. They played another final this time against Colombian Deportivo Cali. After drawing away, they won 4-0 playing brilliantly and securing success for the second time. That was 'Toto' Lorenzo’s last title with Boca, a club where he left an indelible mark.