Caputto on Coquimbo's campaign: 'We died on our feet, we were dignified'

Following Coquimbo Unido's narrow elimination from the Copa Libertadores on penalties against Platense, coach Hernán Caputto reflected with pride on his team's journey. He particularly noted their dignified performance, especially in the context of the severe flooding that recently impacted the Coquimbo region.

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I'm left with how we competed in all the Copa matches, and this was no exception. (...) In football jargon or in life, it might sound like a cliché, but I prefer to die on my feet. That's how we did it, we were dignified.

"I'm left with how we competed in all the Copa matches, and this was no exception. ... In football jargon or in life, it might sound like a cliché, but I prefer to die on my feet. That's how we did it, we were dignified," Caputto stated emotionally after the match. He added that the team represented Coquimbo, the region, and the country well in the tournament.

Caputto described the experience as a "spectacular moment" in his career, comparing it favorably to his time with the national team, including qualifying for the U-17 World Cup. He emphasized that the team's "illusion" – the hope and drive – was something they never lost, making their effort particularly worthy.

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All of us were filled with illusion; illusion is the only thing lost in life. That makes this team very dignified, they gave their all. We represented Coquimbo, the region, and also the country very well in this Copa.

The coach also acknowledged the unconditional support from the fans. He mentioned seeing many people suffer in the region and was moved by the nearly 3,000 fans who traveled to Argentina, as well as the thousands of Platense supporters who attended. Caputto stressed the importance of valuing these moments and the support received.

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It was certainly a spectacular moment in my career, the best without a doubt, along with beautiful moments I had with the national team such as qualifying for the U-17 World Cup and others, but at the professional club level, the best.