Wednesday, April 5, 2017

Tragedy-hit Chapecoense claim emotional Supercup win

Luiz Antonio celebrates scoring Chapecoense second goal
Luiz Antonio celebrates scoring Chapecoense second goal

Chapecoense beat Atletico Nacional 2-1 in the first leg of their South American Supercup final on Tuesday as the game was marked by memorials to those killed in an air crash before the teams' scheduled Copa Sudamericana final last November.

The match was the first between the sides since all but three of the Brazilian team and their staff perished as their plane crashed on approach to Medellin last year.

Only six of the 77 on board survived the crash.

Crash survivors: journalist Rafael Henz and Chapecoense players Helio Hermito Zampier Neto, Alan Ruschel and Jakson Follmann spoke to the crowd
Crash survivors: journalist Rafael Henz and Chapecoense players Helio Hermito Zampier Neto, Alan Ruschel and Jakson Follmann spoke to the crowd

Organisers laid on pre-match shows and post-match fireworks for Tuesday's clash, which was billed as 'The Gratitude Game'.

Fans also launched one minute's applause in the 71st minute of the game to commemorate those who died.

Fireworks light the stadium after the Recopa Sul-Americana 2017 final first leg match between Chapecoense and Atletico Nacional
Fireworks light the stadium after the Recopa Sul-Americana 2017 final first leg match between Chapecoense and Atletico Nacional

The home fans, eager to repay the support given to their players and staff in Colombia immediately after the accident, also applauded the visitors' goal, a stunning 25-yard equaliser from Macnelly Torres in the second half.

The home side had gone 1-0 up through a Reinaldo penalty after 23 minutes before Torres equalised 13 minutes into the second half.

Chapecoense regained the lead __with a header from substitute Luiz Antonio 17 minutes from time.

The return leg is scheduled for May 10 in Medellin.