Football
Associated Press 7y

Atletico Nacional striker thanks Chapecoense fans for CWC backing

Atletico Nacional striker Orlando Berrio thanked fans of Brazilian club Chapecoense for their support after his side finished third at the Club World Cup on Sunday.

The Colombian team had been due to play Chapecoense in the Copa Sudamericana final last month when the plane carrying the Brazilian team crashed, killing 71 people, 19 of them players.

"They [the Chapecoense fans] have all been behind us and that is one of the reasons why we were able to perform well," Berrio said after helping his team to a 4-3 win on penalties following a 2-2 draw against Mexican side Club America.

Nacional appealed to the South American federation to declare Chapecoense the Copa Sudamericana winners, a gesture that created a strong bond between the two clubs.

"Chapecoense is not a team from our country, but their fans and everyone involved with the club supported us so I am very happy," Berrio said.

Nacional took an early lead in the third-place playoff after a sixth-minute own goal by Miguel Samudio.

Alejandro Guerra made it 2-0 before Michael Arroyo started the comeback shortly before half-time.

Substitute Oribe Peralta made it 2-2 from the penalty spot after 66 minutes, but Atletico prevailed in the shootout as Miguel Borja struck the winning kick.

"We discussed the tragedy a lot," Nacional coach Reinaldo Rueda said. "While playing, we were thinking about the feelings of all the people related to Chapecoense and the families of the victims."

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