Vasco down to ten, but stand tall and take the lead over Boca

Vasco truly were Giants on Tuesday night (13). 

Playing at La Bombonera, the Cruz-Maltino took the ADVANTAGE over Boca Juniors in the race to reach the 2026 Copa Sudamericana final. 

Adson scored in an excellent first half for Vasco, before Andrés Gómez was sent off.

But Pedro Emanuel’s men held on for a 1–0 win.

It was their first-ever victory over Boca in an official match. 

Check back soon for the highlights. 

Vasco felt right at home

With Colidio unavailable, Pedro Emanuel picked Adson. And his choice would prove right. 

Vasco threatened as early as the fifth minute through Bruno Duarte. 

Boca tried. But they struggled to move the ball well.

And they came dangerously close to going down to ten men after Delgado’s challenge on Gómez.

The Cruz-Maltino, meanwhile, were clinical in the 25th minute.

Gómez set up Adson, who “turned into a number nine” to score. 

His fifth goal of the season. ALL in the Sudamericana.

The Argentine side tried to apply pressure and take control before halftime.

But they failed to put Léo Jardim to work. 

A sending-off, Boca on the attack, and Vasco victorious

Paulo Henrique had a huge chance to extend the lead just eight minutes into the second half.

After that, Boca piled on more and more pressure.

Especially after Villa came on.

Then Andrés Gómez was sent off after trying to delay a free kick and subsequently pushing referee Piero Mazza.

Boca’s pressure intensified.

Ascacibar even rattled the crossbar.

Pedro Emanuel brought on fresh legs for Vasco.

There were anxious moments.

Robert Renan, Brenner and Puma Rodríguez denied Boca “certain” goals.

And Vasco celebrated at the final whistle. 

What’s next❓

The return leg will be next Tuesday (20) and, as things stand, will take place at the Maracanã.

If Vasco cannot host the match at the stadium, CONMEBOL has already decided that it will be played in Paraguay.

A draw will be enough for Vasco.

Boca, meanwhile, will only advance in regulation time if they win by two goals or more.

The other semifinal pits Montevideo City Torque against Atlético Mineiro.

And the second leg will be played in Uruguay.

The Cruz-Maltino will be back in action on Saturday (17), when they visit São Paulo.

The match is part of round 31 of the 2026 Brasileirão.

They sit 14th with 35 points and need a win to pull away from the bottom four. 

A day earlier, Boca will host Talleres. They currently sit third in Group A of the Clausura. 

Featured photo: Dikran Sahagian/Vasco

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.