Cruzeiro won their first women’s Copa Libertadores title after recovering from three goals down to draw 4-4 with Corinthians in Saturday’s final in Quito, Ecuador, before prevailing 5-4 on penalties. Goalkeeper Camila saved Gi Fernandes’ attempt to seal the victory for the Brazilian side.
Corinthians had led 3-0 and were seeking a fourth consecutive title and a seventh overall. Vic Albuquerque and Gabi Zanotti scored twice each for the São Paulo club. Vitória Calhau, Byanca Brasil, Ketlin and Letícia Ferreira—who scored in stoppage time—found the net for Cruzeiro.
The result adds Cruzeiro to the list of Brazilian women’s Libertadores champions. Brazilian clubs have now won 15 of the tournament’s 18 editions. Corinthians have six titles, while São José have three, and Ferroviária and Santos have two each. Palmeiras are also among the Brazilian winners.
Cruzeiro, making their debut in the competition, reached the final after beating Olimpia 1-0 in the semifinal. Corinthians advanced with a 2-1 win over Colombia’s Santa Fe. Santa Fe took third place by defeating Olimpia 4-3 on penalties.
The champion will receive US$2 million, while the runner-up is due US$600,000. Santa Fe will collect US$250,000 for finishing third.
Sources: Folha Esporte.