Independiente edge Flamengo to win Copa Sudamericana crown

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Independiente defeated Flamengo 3-2 on aggregate to win the Copa Sudamericana title after a 1-1 draw in the second leg of the final Wednesday night.

Eighteen-year-old Ezequiel Barco cancelled out Lucas Paqueta's first-half strike to ensure the Argentines a famous victory in Rio de Janeiro. 

The Brazilian side, playing in front of raucous support from the home Maracana crowd, had their fans in hysterics in the 30th minute, when midfielder Paqueta tapped home on the goal line after a cross caused a mad scramble inside the six-yard box.

The 20-year-old rising star saluted the Flamengo faithful in his celebration as the Rio giants evened the tie 2-2 after a falling 2-1 in Buenos Aires last week.

However, the Argentines would restore their advantage just before the half, through a talented youngster of their own.

Flamengo midfielder Gustavo Cuellar pulled down Maximiliano Meza in the penalty area five minutes before the break, and Barco sent Cesar the wrong way with the ensuing penalty kick to give the Brazilians a two-goal challenge to win the title.

Real Madrid signing Vinicius Junior and 16-year-old forward Lincoln came on in the second half along with Everton Ribeiro, as coach Reinaldo Rueda desperately searched for another goal.

But Flamengo couldn't find the breakthrough despite a handful of close calls, and could only watch on as the seven-time Libertadores winners celebrated another international title at the final whistle.