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Romance, fireworks and upsets: Why Copa Libertadores outshines sterile Champions League

Both Atletico Nacional and Independiente del Valle had upset the odds to make the final, while Europe's biggest competition becomes ever more exclusive.

It was a scene that no European player can ever dream of experiencing. Almost 40,000 Atletico Nacional were packed into the Estadio Atanasio Girardot to cheer their side on, a sea of green hoping for the joy of Copa Libertadores glory.

The fireworks started long, long before the final whistle signaled victory, as the Medellin side triumphed over Independiente del Valle 1-0 in the second leg of the final to become the first Colombian team to win South America's biggest trophy twice.