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Chapecoense play first game since air disaster Guardian

Chapecoense draw with champions Palmeiras in first match since air disaster

This article is more than 7 years old

Emotional scenes as club return to action in friendly fixture
19 players were among those killed in November’s disaster

Chapecoense drew 2-2 against the Brazilian champions, Palmeiras, in their first match since the air disaster in November in which 19 players and 24 other club members were among those who died.

Around 20,000 fans attended the friendly fixture at the club’s Arena Condá stadium in Chapeco to pay tribute to the 71 people killed when the plane carrying the team to the Copa Sudamerica final in Colombia crashed into a mountain near Medellín.

Chapecoense’s new players applaud the crowd before the club’s first fixture since the disaster. Photograph: Andre Penner/AP

Only six of the 77 people who had travelled for the final against Atlético Nacional survived, including three Chapecoense players – the goalkeeper Jackson Follmann, who had part of his right leg amputated, the defender Neto and the winger Alan Ruschel.

All three players wept as they received the Copa Sudamericana trophy before the game on behalf of the club – Chapecoense having been declared champions shortly after the crash.

Chapecoense’s Follmann, centre, and Alan Ruschel, right, two of the three players who survived the disaster, prepare to receive the Copa Sudamericana trophy. Photograph: Andre Penner/AP

The club have since rebuilt their squad, with most of their 22 new players arriving on loan from rivals. Chape’s Douglas Grolli and William Amaral scored to cancel out Raphael Veiga’s opener, and Vitor Carvalho equalised with 12 minutes to go.

Wellington Paulista, one of the club’s new signings, paid tribute to the crowds, who had filled the ground with thousands of hand-made origami in the shape of hearts and tsurus, birds that signify health, fortune and long life. “Today was different. It was good for everyone, most importantly the fans here in Chapeco.”

A boy dressed as the Chapecoense mascot helps lead the crowds before the game. Photograph: Andre Penner/AP

The game was paused after 71 minutes so fans could commemorate the 71 victims – with supporters from both sides chanting the now familiar “Vamos Chape!”, and both sets of players applauding.

Before kick-off Chapecoense said on their official Twitter account: “STARTED!! Ball rolling in the Arena Condá! Chapecoense v Palmeiras. A new Chape: more united, confident and much stronger!” After the game they added: “We appreciate the affection of all who supported Chape! Thank you very much! #VamosChape.”

Agradecemos o carinho de todos que apoiaram a Chape! Muito obrigado!#VamosChape

— Chapecoense (@ChapecoenseReal) January 21, 2017
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