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Chapecoense plane crash: Brazil and Colombia put aside their rivalry to unite in a special friendly to raise money for the families of victims

Team of domestic based Brazil stars took on their Colombian counterparts at the Nilson Santos Stadium in Rio de Janiero

BRAZIL and Colombia put aside their rivalry to unite in a special friendly to raise money for the families of victims of the Chapecoense plane crash.

A team of domestic-based Brazil stars took on their Colombian counterparts at the Nilson Santos Stadium in Rio de Janiero in the name of charity.

Goalkeeper Jackson Follmann (C), Alan Ruschel (in black) and Helio Neto (right) all survived the crash and were at the game in Rio de Janeiro
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Goalkeeper Jackson Follmann (C), Alan Ruschel (in black) and Helio Neto (right) all survived the crash and were at the game in Rio de JaneiroCredit: Reuters
Survivors of the Chapecoense plane accident participate in a ceremony in honour of the victims
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Survivors of the Chapecoense plane accident participate in a ceremony in honour of the victimsCredit: EPA
Follmann is introduced to the Colombia team before the friendly
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Follmann is introduced to the Colombia team before the friendlyCredit: Reuters

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And there was an emotional atmosphere once again on Wednesday night as the country united in support of the tragedy hit club.

On Saturday in Chapeco, crash survivors Jackson Follmann, Helio Neto and Alan Ruschel lifted the Copa Sudamericana trophy as they made their way to the pitch.

The trio were also in attendance today and greeted both sets of players as they made their way to the field.

Brazil won the game 1-0 thanks to a strike from Palmeiras star Dudu just after half-time.

Alan Ruschel helps Jackson Follmann off the field before kick-off in Rio
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Alan Ruschel helps Jackson Follmann off the field before kick-off in RioCredit: Reuters
Colombia's William Tesillo is closed down by Lucas Lima in the early stages
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Colombia's William Tesillo is closed down by Lucas Lima in the early stagesCredit: AP:Associated Press
The club's badge was illuminated against a dark field before the start of the match in a touching tribute
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The club's badge was illuminated against a dark field before the start of the match in a touching tributeCredit: Getty Images
Brazil's Rodrigo Caio and Teofilo Gutierrez proved there was still a competitive spirit to the game
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Brazil's Rodrigo Caio and Teofilo Gutierrez proved there was still a competitive spirit to the gameCredit: Reuters
Brazil star Wallace rises for a header during the charity match
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Brazil star Wallace rises for a header during the charity matchCredit: Reuters
Brazil and Colombia put aside their rivalry to raise money for the families of those affected by disaster
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Brazil and Colombia put aside their rivalry to raise money for the families of those affected by disasterCredit: Reuters
The Brazil players greet the survivors on the plane crash before their match with Colombia
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The Brazil players greet the survivors on the plane crash before their match with ColombiaCredit: Reuters

The friendly did not count as a part of the Fifa international calendar, and the players in action were all based in South America.

Although, there was still a place for former Manchester City ace, Robinho.

The touching pre-match greeting for the survivors and victims' families, meant the game kicked off with a slow tempo.

Miguel Borja came close to opening the scoring for Colombia, but his effort was saved by Weverton.

While Brazil's had the majority of chances, with the impressive Lucas Lima going nearest — who was reported to have been the subject of a summer bid from Crystal Palace.

Colombia looked dangerous on the counter, and began to take control of proceedings towards the end of the half.

Despite it being a friendly, there were still some strong challenges flying about
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Despite it being a friendly, there were still some strong challenges flying aboutCredit: EPA
Rodrigo Caio heads past Colombia goalkeeper David Gonzalez, but can't score
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Rodrigo Caio heads past Colombia goalkeeper David Gonzalez, but can't scoreCredit: AP:Associated Press
Former Manchester City striker, Robinho, has an effort on Colombia goal
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Former Manchester City striker, Robinho, has an effort on Colombia goalCredit: AP:Associated Press
Dudu celebrates his goal just after half-time which settled emotional contest
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Dudu celebrates his goal just after half-time which settled emotional contestCredit: EPA

But it was the hosts who opened the scoring, just after the interval.

Colombia didn't let their heads go down and pushed for the equaliser, which should have come at the death — only for Orlando Berrio to miss from close range.

The Chapecoense players on the plane that was headed to play the biggest match in the club's history - the final against Colombia's Atletico Nacional.

But the plane on which they were travelling crashed, killing 71 of the 77 members on board.

The new look Chapecoense team took on Palmeiras in a friendly on Saturday as they prepare for a return to competitive action
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The new look Chapecoense team took on Palmeiras in a friendly on Saturday as they prepare for a return to competitive actionCredit: Getty Images
The stands were packed to see Chapecoense return to action after the tragedy
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 The stands were packed to see Chapecoense return to action after the tragedyCredit: EPA

Before Brazil's friendly against Colombia on Wednesday, national team coach Tite said: "As a human being, the result doesn’t matter to me.

"If ever there was game that I took the field and didn't care who wins, this is the game. This is about people.

"But all the players joining us for this game could have a future with Brazil,that was one of the criteria.”

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