Two early goals granted Goias an important victory in Brazil
Rafael Moura and Otacilio Neto gave Goias a two-goal advantage from the 20th minute on. Los Rojos finished the game with 10 men as Nestor Silvera was ejected close to the hour mark, severely weakening Independiente attack.
The hosts dominated the first half without much opposition from Antonio Mohammed's Diablos. Things changed for the last 45 minutes as Patito Rodriguez substituted Fernando Godoy as Independiente driver.
The visitors could never beat Harlei's goal, but let's not forget the goals scored away are not as important in these last game of the Sudamericana fight.
Goias is only one step away from lifting its first international title over the Kings of Cups. Will they make it?
"We know what we got to do. We'll have faster players as Rodriguez. Without the high grass it's possible to unbalance the game easily, it's possible to control the ball. It'll be a totally different game, and I repeat, we'll turn the tide in our favor" said Independiente coach Antonio Mohammed.
The game offered little excitement in both areas. It was clear the pressure of the final was a burden too heavy for both squads to deal with. The Brazilians took the lead early in the game but they could never build up the needed confidence to deliver the fatal blow to the Argentineans.
Independiente, who defeated Sudamericana reigning champion Liga one week ago at the Cilindro, will have to work hard to improve their performance in the second leg match. Independiente will leave the Apertura fight in the background once again and they might fall to the last position of the table standings upon another defeat.
Goias has recently faced relegation in the Brazilian League and the victory has been the perfect antidote for such awkward notice. There are 90 minutes of football ahead for the Sudamericana in Avellaneda. Is Goias ready to claim the Sudamericana title?
The hosts dominated the first half without much opposition from Antonio Mohammed's Diablos. Things changed for the last 45 minutes as Patito Rodriguez substituted Fernando Godoy as Independiente driver.
The visitors could never beat Harlei's goal, but let's not forget the goals scored away are not as important in these last game of the Sudamericana fight.
Goias is only one step away from lifting its first international title over the Kings of Cups. Will they make it?
"We know what we got to do. We'll have faster players as Rodriguez. Without the high grass it's possible to unbalance the game easily, it's possible to control the ball. It'll be a totally different game, and I repeat, we'll turn the tide in our favor" said Independiente coach Antonio Mohammed.
The game offered little excitement in both areas. It was clear the pressure of the final was a burden too heavy for both squads to deal with. The Brazilians took the lead early in the game but they could never build up the needed confidence to deliver the fatal blow to the Argentineans.
Independiente, who defeated Sudamericana reigning champion Liga one week ago at the Cilindro, will have to work hard to improve their performance in the second leg match. Independiente will leave the Apertura fight in the background once again and they might fall to the last position of the table standings upon another defeat.
Goias has recently faced relegation in the Brazilian League and the victory has been the perfect antidote for such awkward notice. There are 90 minutes of football ahead for the Sudamericana in Avellaneda. Is Goias ready to claim the Sudamericana title?
