Buenos Aires, Dec 12 (IANS): Argentine football team River Plate defeated Colombia's Atletico Nacional 2-0 at home to win the 13th Copa Sudamericana.

River's Gabriel Mercado and German Pezzella scored the winning goals, both headers, in minutes 54 and 59, respectively, to clinch the title Thursday, reports Xinhua.

The victory marked the first time in 17 years the team won an international tournament.

The last time River won an international tournament was in 1997, when it won the Supercopa with now-coach Gallardo on the team. Gallardo is the only River member ever to have won a cup both as a player and a coach.

Celebrations broke out at the stadium and all over Argentina following the win, with people spilling into the streets.

During the awards ceremony, Argentine fans also applauded the disappointed Atletico players for a memorable match.

River have a shot at winning Argentina's national league championship Sunday, if they defeat Quilmes and if Racing doesn't beat Godoy Cruz, in the final game day of the tournament.