For the second time, Curitiba was invaded by the fans of Belgrano. Os fans turned out in force for the first leg of the round of 16 of the 2024 Copa Sudamericana. Athletico came out on top and won, in a comeback, by 2 to 1, but it did not erase the memorable visit of the brothers.
The defeat did little to dampen the visitors’ enthusiasm. The fans sang even louder at the final whistle, when the team’s players went to complain to Bolivian referee Gery Vargas.
The Argentines complained about the disallowance of the second goal, scored by Reyna, due to a foul on defender Thiago Heleno and also about the expulsion of midfielder Fernandinhowho was involved in a fight with Matías Moreno in the final stage.
Around four thousand “Pirates”, as the Belgrano fans are known, traveled the almost two thousand kilometers that separate Córdoba from Curitiba. The trip, which takes a day by car, was not for nothing: this is the best campaign in the history of Belgrano in a continental tournament.
By qualifying as leader of Group C, which included Internacional, the team surpassed its 2016 campaign, when it lost on penalties in the round of 16 to Coritiba. On that occasion, facing its main rival, the Argentines put on a show at Couto Pereira.
Only this time, the invasion was different – and more charismatic. A small group of fans, for example, came in an old motor home, nicknamed La Novia Blanca (The White Bride, in Portuguese). The vehicle was even decorated with blue paper banners and went viral on social media due to its poor condition.
Show in the stands of Ligga Arena
With the distance of 1,977 km between Córdoba and Curitiba, the Argentines made a strong presence and raised the chants of the red-black fans.
The duel began before the ball rolled. During the teams’ warm-up, while the red-blacks had not yet filled the stands, the two fans competed to see who could shout the loudest.
With the pressure of the attack and then with the favorable score, Athletico fans silenced the Argentineswhich continued in loud tones outside the stadium.
However, several incidents were recorded while the ball was rolling. Some fans threw objects from the second ring and hit red-and-black fans who were in the lower section of the stadium. In addition, videos with racist insults began to be spread on social media.
Parilla na Rua
In addition to the motor home, five other buses were parked around the Ligga Arena. Before the game, the Argentines made the traditional with a pair. On the sidewalk, the grill was improvised with carbon brought from Argentina.
Part of the group was received at the headquarters of Império Alviverde, Coxa’s organized fan club. The rest were seen circulating in the center, in the region closest to the surroundings of the red-black stadium.
The party, filled with beer and Coca-Cola, ended with the entrance to the stadium. Despite a little confusion,
Now Belgrano fans will try to make a difference in the return match. The teams will face each other again next Thursday (23), at 7 pm, at the Mario Alberto Kempes stadium, in Córdoba.
To advance to the quarterfinals of the South American Cup, the Argentines need to win by two goals. In the event of a draw, Furacão will qualify. If the Argentines win by one goal, the decision will go to penalties.