River Plate clinch Recopa Sudamericana title in dramatic fashion

River Plate have won the Recopa Sudamericana, thanks to two dramatic injury time goals against Brazil's Athletico Paranaense.

The Recopa is played between the champions of Copa Libertadores and the winners of Copa Sudamericana.

The Millo's goal in the 3-0 victory Thursday was scored by Ignacio Fernández on 65 minutes, equaling the result of the first leg in the city of Curitiba last week, when River slumped to a 1-0 defeat. He secured a penalty after VAR intervened to award the spot-kick.

Just when the 62,000 spectators at the Monumental thought the decision was going to penalties, Lucas Pratto scored the second at 91 minutes.

Matías Suárez added the third four minutes later.

Pratto, who also netted goals that gave River its fourth Copa Libertadores title in 2018, said the Recopa proves River is the best side on the continent.

"We have a huge heart," he declared after the match.

River's Recopa title was coach Marcelo Gallardo's 10th, a club record.

"We have a technician who takes us to the highest levels," said experienced captain Leonardo Ponzio post-match.

- TIMES/AP