Recopa Sudamericana 2nd leg

Internacional 3-1 Independiente
3-3 on points, Internacional wins on goal difference

Last night at the Beira-Rio, Brazil's Internacional were crowned 2011 Recopa Sudamericana champions after defeating Independiente of Argentina 3-1 to lift their second title after their 2007 success.

In form Leandro Damião put Inter ahead with twenty minutes gone when he beat two defenders and fired a shot across the goal and into the far corner. Five minutes later Damião made it two when he took advantage of a mistake in the Independiente defence to volley over goalkeeper Hilario Navarro.

Independiente changed their tactics at half time and it had an almost immediate effect, four minutes after the break Maxi Velázquez, who had opened the scoring a fortnight ago in Buenos Aires, cut inside to take a pass and beat goalkeeper Muriel. The visitors then almost levelled but Muriel managed to keep out Marco Perez. With extra time looming Internacional settled the tie when Kléber converted from the spot six minutes from time after Navarro had brought down substitute Jô.

Recopa Sudamericana - First Leg

Independiente 2-1 Internacional

The Recopa Sudamericana pits the winners of the two intercontinental competitions from the previous year as Copa Sudamericana holders Independiente met last years Libertadores winners Internacional of Brazil in Avellaneda.

Inter took the lead and got an away goal eight minutes before the break when Leandro Damião slid in to put the ball over the advancing Hilario Navarro. Five minutes later Independiente were back in the game when defender Maxi Velázquez headed the home side level. The home side completed their comeback eighteen minutes from time when a Marcos Pérez free kick took a deflection and wrongfooted Muriel.

The second leg takes place at the Beira-Rio in two weeks time.