Goias draw first blood

Brazilian side Goias hold the advantage after a 2-0 win over Argentina’s Independiente in the first leg of the Copa Sudamericana final on Wednesday.

Battling the disappointment of their relegation from Brazil’s Serie A last week, Goias showed a steely resolve in front of their home supporters and took the lead after 14 minutes thanks to a Rafael Moura strike.

Neto doubled their advantage eight minutes later, and despite the best efforts of a determined Independiente side – who themselves are struggling and sit third from the bottom of Argentina’s Primera division – that was where the scoreline stayed.

The result was a shock for Indendiente, who are known in South America as the ‘King of Cups’ after claiming the region’s premier club tournament, the Copa Libertadores, a record seven times.

The result means Goias carry a two-goal advantage into the second leg at Argentina’s Estadio Libertadores de America on December 9, where they are sure to receive a hostile reception from the home supporters.

Independiente defeated defending Copa Sudamericana champions Liga de Quito of Ecuador in the semi-finals, while Goias upset 1999 Copa Libertadores winner Palmeiras.