Independiente secure Copa Sudamericana
Reuters - Thursday 09 December 2010, 08:18
BUENOS AIRES - Independiente, who
have endured a dismal Argentine Apertura championship,
have won the regional Copa Sudamericana on penalties against
Brazil's Goias.
The Argentine side, 2-0 down from last week's first leg in
Goiania, won 3-1 at their Libertadores de America stadium to
take the match into extra-time then a shootout which they won
5-3 on Wednesday night.
It was a first victory in the second-tier Copa
Sudamericana for Independiente, who have been crowned South
American champions a record seven times in the Libertadores
Cup between 1964 and 1984.
Both teams were surprise finalists given their poor
domestic form with Goias relegated from the Brazilian top
flight last month.
Independiente, from the Buenos Aires suburb of Avellaneda,
are two from bottom of the Apertura, the first of two
championships in Argentina's 2010/11 season.
Having gone seven matches before their first victory, they
have 14 points from 17 games after only to wins.
Coach Antonio Mohamed gave precedence to the Copa
Sudamericana when he was brought in two months ago to steady
the ship after Independiente sacked Daniel Garnero.