Chapecoense beat Atlético in emotional Super Cup opener
Four months after a plane crash all but wiped out Chapecoense, the Brazilian club took the lead over the side they were due to play when tragedy occurred Atlético vs Real Madrid
Nineteen Chapecoense players and 24 club officials were among 71 people who lost their lives on November 28 when the team's plane crashed into the Colombian mountains.
After signing 22 new players, the Brazilian team are trying to rise from the ashes and finally had their chance to take on Colombian side Atlético Nacional - who they were on their way to play in the final of the Copa Sudamericana when the tragedy occurred - in the first-leg match in the Recopa, the South American equivalent of Europe's Super Cup.
Atlético hand title to Chapecoense
After the disaster, Atlético ceded the Copa Sudamericana title to Chapecoense in tribute, which in turn gave the rebuilding club an automatic ticket to play in this year's Copa Libertadores, the premier club tournament in South America, for the first time ever.
In the first leg of the Recopa, Chapecoense took the advantage in a 2-1 victory at the Arena Condá in the small city of Chapecó, in Brazil's Santa Catarina state.
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.
Chape-Atletico bond
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 Medellín.
