The round of 16 second leg of the Copa Sudamericana between Independiente and Universidad de Chile, played on Wednesday in Avellaneda, was canceled after serious incidents of violence in the stands. What began as a tense match with the score 1-1 early in the second half turned into a night marked by chaos, injuries, and arrests.
The match was suspended just two minutes into the second half by Uruguayan referee Gustavo Tejera when spectators entered the field amid escalating violence between fans. Conmebol later announced the definitive cancellation, citing a “lack of security guarantees” from the host club and local authorities.
The trouble began in the first half but escalated after the break. Fans of Universidad de Chile, located in the upper tier of a stand, threw heavy objects—including masonry pieces, broom handles, and even parts of stadium facilities—toward Independiente supporters below. Despite the ongoing violence, the match continued until pitch invasions forced a halt.
With police failing to intervene, Independiente’s ultras stormed the visiting section to confront the Chilean supporters. Videos shared on social media later showed violent attacks, including fans being stripped, beaten, and even thrown or forced to jump from the upper tier. One Chilean fan, identified as Gonzalo Alfaro, survived a fall after leaping to avoid being assaulted, reportedly landing on a roof inside the stadium.
Reports of injuries and arrests vary, but local authorities confirmed at least 23 people hospitalized, including two Universidad de Chile fans in critical condition with severe head trauma at Hospital Fiorito. Other victims were treated for stab wounds and multiple injuries. Police also detained over 120 people, with some accounts suggesting as many as 300 visiting fans were held.
The match had 650 police officers and 150 private security agents assigned, but most were stationed outside the stadium. Inside, there was little to no security presence in the visiting section, allowing the violence to escalate unchecked. Authorities had expected 2,500 visiting fans, but nearly 3,500 arrived, overwhelming the security operation.
More than an hour after the suspension, Conmebol issued a statement confirming the match’s cancellation and referring the case to its judicial bodies for further action. Club directors from both Independiente and Universidad de Chile are expected to travel to Paraguay to meet with Conmebol officials regarding sanctions and next steps.
The first leg in Santiago ended 1-0 in favor of Universidad de Chile. At the time of suspension in Avellaneda, the score was 1-1, a result that would have allowed the Chilean side to advance to the quarterfinals. Lucas Assadi opened the scoring for Universidad de Chile in the 10th minute, while Santiago Montiel equalized for Independiente in the 27th.
