Quito -
A massive caravan accompanied Independiente del Valle to meet its fans. The black and blue fans celebrated the conquest of the Sudamericana Cup and were together with their idols in a journey where the protagonist was the trophy of the first official tournament that the rayados won in their history.
With little rest after the final played in Asuncion, where they beat the Argentine Colón de Santa Fe 3-1, the aircraft that transported the Sangolqui delegation arrived at Mariscal Sucre airport, where a water arch welcomed the new champions.
The departure from the airport terminal was calm, the group was led by their leadership, and defender Fernando León was in charge of carrying the trophy to board a bus that would take them in a caravan to Sangolqui, passing through the north of Quito.
A small group of fans joined the group, and the group became larger at the entrance to Sangolqui, the final stretch to a playground that the club uses for its soccer schools and training.
On the main stage, the players, like in the final against Colón, took control of the actions. Captains Fernando León and Efrén Mera offered the trophy to about a thousand fans present, who went crazy with the conquest achieved.
Although he did not appear in the final, on the stage it was Juan José Govea who led the team. The forward took the microphone and one by one called the players to show their dancing skills, to the rhythm of salsa choque.
Some with better moves than others, but everyone danced, including the coaching staff and leaders. President Franklin Tello highlighted the club's festive moment. "This is your moment, guys, grateful to everyone for their effort, and enjoy it," he said.
Michel Deller, head of the black and blue project, also lifted the trophy and thanked the dedication of "a group that works with responsibility, with dedication, and with that, everything is possible. Today Independiente is a South American champion and is with its people," he pointed out.
A separate chapter was deserved by the animation of Miguel Ángel Ramírez. The Spanish strategist showed his group management skills to encourage players and fans, who followed him with some movements to the rhythm of the music. The Iberian had the same attitude on the bus when he took a drum and had his team singing, who went through the streets and avenues of Quito and Sangolquí shouting "IDV champion...!" (D)