outh America’s new era of
the one-off Final on a neutral
ground brought a debut title for
the continent’s outstanding recent
success story. Independiente del
Valle from Ecuador beat Colon of
Argentina 3-1 in Asuncion, Paraguay, to win the Copa
Sudamericana, the first time a continental title has
eluded the big two of Brazil and Argentina since
the 2016 Copa Libertadores was won by Colombia’s
Atletico Nacional – who beat Independiente del Valle
in the Final.
A decade ago, Independiente del Valle had never
even played in Ecuador’s domestic top flight and their
extraordinary progress is based on a commitment to
youth development.
The club exists to produce talent and sell it on.
They have graduates in every Ecuadorian first division
club and, increasingly, all over the planet. The Ecuador
under-20 side that won this year’s South American
championship – and came third in the World Cup –
was based on players from the club, all of whom have
since been sold. So, a new generation is promoted,Independiente del Valle beat
Argentina’s Colon in one-off Final
Ecuadorians
triumph in
Asuncion
Stoppage...
Brazilian referee
Raphael Claus
takes controlChampions...Cristian Dajome lifts the trophyS
Copa Sudamericana
TIM VICKERY