Football United

Once Caldas pulled off one of the biggest upsets in Copa Libertadores history Thursday, downing six-time champion Boca Juniors in a penalty shootout to become only the second Colombian team to lift South America's premier club trophy.

This year was the first time Once got past the first round of an international competition and its ironclad defense ensured it never lost a match at home.

The two sides were tied 1-1 at the final whistle, forcing a penalty showdown. Boca Juniors then missed all four of its spot kicks, while Once netted two shots thanks to Elkin Soto and Jorge Agudelo to complete a 2-0 win.

Earlier, John Viafara opened for the Colombians in the 7th minute with a powerful 25-meter shot. But Nicolas Burdisso equalized with a header off a Franco Cangele pass from deep in the right corner in the 51st minute.

Valentierra and Wilmer Ortegon's spot kicks were both deflected by Boca goalie Roberto Abondanzzieri, but it wasn't enough for the Argentines, and the 40,000 home fans packing the stadium went into a frenzy when the victory bell sounded.

The two sides had played to a scoreless draw in last week's first-leg final in Buenos Aires.

The loss was extra bitter for Boca -- which won three of the past four Libertadores -- after losing the Argentine championship to archrival River Plate last week.

Once Caldas wil now face F.C.Porto, in the Intercontinental Cup.