This past weekend Chapecoense (Associação Chapecoense de Futebol) returned to the pitch for the first time since the plane crash on November 28, 2016 which claimed the lives of 43 members of the club (19 players and 24 club members). A total of 71 people died in the crash.
A charity match between Chape and the Brazilian champions Palmeiras, the event also marked the emotional and inspirational presentation of the Cope Sudamericana trophy. The club had been on their way to play the Copa final in Colombia when the crash occurred. Following the accident, Club Atlético Naciona (their opponent in the final) requested the final be cancelled and Chapecoense be awarded the championship.
Accepting the Copa trophy were the six remaining members of the ACF squad, including the three who survived the crash: goalkeeper Jackson Follmann, defender Neto and winger Alan Ruschel. Family members of those lost were awarded the individual medals.
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The club posted this message at the start of the match:
“STARTED!! Ball rolling in the Arena Condá!
Chapecoense x Palmeiras a new Plop: more United, confident and stronger.”
Vamos, Vamos Chape!
-hopechaser
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