Independiente rejoice in Copa victory

Argentinean side Independiente are celebrating after claiming the club’s first ever Copa Sudamericana crown on Wednesday.

Trailing Brazilian side Goias 2-0 after the first leg, Independiente won the second leg 3-1, thanks to two goals from Facundo Parra and another from Julian Velasquez, to send the game into extra time.

But with neither side able to break the deadlock, penalties were needed for just the second time in the tournament’s eight-year history.

After Goias substitute Felipe crashed his shot into the post to hand the advantage to Independiente, it was left to centre-back Eduardo Tuzzio to step up and slam the final penalty past Goias goalkeeper Harlei to set off rapturous scenes in Avellaneda.

Independiente are known in South America as the ‘King of Cups’, with seven Copa Libertadores wins – the most of any club – two world club titles, and 14 Argentine league trophies.

“We suffered a lot but it’s worth it,” Independiente defender Lucas Mareque said.

“We have put Independiente back to the place in history the club deserves.”

Independiente captain Carlos Matheu said he was delighted to win his first Copa Sudamericana, and praised the gallant Goias side.

“We played the first half in great form. We had many chances but scored only three,” Matheu said.

“In the second half we failed to score, but Goias played very well.”

“Luckily, the trophy will stay at home.”

Goalkeeper Hilario Navarro echoed his captain’s praise of the Brazilians.

“This was a very deserved cup victory for us,” Navarro said. “We fought hard for this and beat a great rival.”