Gremio triumph over Independiente in Recopa Sudamericana shootout

Updated: May 17, 2023, 05:34 am
Luan is one player firmly on the bubble for Brazil's World Cup squad.
Luan is one player firmly on the bubble for Brazil's World Cup squad.
Photo credit should read JUAN MABROMATA/AFP/Getty Images)

PORTO ALEGRE, Brazil -- Brazilian side Gremio have won the Recopa Sudamericana, beating Argentina's Independiente 5-4 in a penalty shootout on Wednesday.

The two-legged final ended 1-1 on aggregate, with no goals scored after 120 minutes of play in the second leg.

The winners of last year's Copa Libertadores overcame the Copa Sudamericana holders after goalkeeper Marcelo Grohe stopped the last penalty of the series, taken by Independiente striker Martin Benitez.

The Recopa, also won by Gremio in 1996, is played between the champions of South America's two most important tournaments.

Independiente played most of the match with 10 players after defender Fernando Amorebieta was sent off after 38 minutes.

The Brazilians created most of the pressure until the end of extra time but failed to score.