Champions are crowded in Rio as penalties follow 16-goal thriller between Brazilian sides
Vitoria are the new Libertadores champions after they drew 8-8 in normal time against Vasco da Gama, and the game had to be settled on penalties.
The defending champions Vasco, came tantalisingly close to retaining their title as 16 goals were not enough to separate the teams and the match went to penalties.
Rio de Janeiro’s Arena do Parque Olímpico da Barra was crowded for the final showdown, and the spectators were well entertained as the score stayed tight throughout the match, into extra time and penalties. In the end, it was Vitoria’s fans who left smiling, with the continental trophy in the bag for the first time.
Their top scorer with four goals was Nelito, who spoke after the trophy was awarded.
“We knew we had to give our everything to become champion. We had a very tiring semi-final on Saturday, where we also won on penalties, and today it was more of the same. Thank God everything worked out. We will take this Libertadores trophy to Salvador with a lot of celebration.”
So, the South American title is red and black this year as Brazilians dominate the Libertadores Futbol Playa once again.
Sampaio Correa claimed third place as they saw off their Argentinian challengers, Acassuso Fútbol Playa, by five goals to four.
FINAL – RESULT
Vitoria 8 (3) v (2) 8 Vasco da Gama – PSO
Third-place play-off – RESULT
Sampaio Correa 5 v 4 Acassuso Fútbol Playa
