It was the first game between the teams for the second phase of the Copa Sudamericana. Promised last year and relegated to the end of the line in 2020, Tiago Reis scored the winning goal. It was a very important victory that ended their winless drought of nine games without a win.
Vasco lost a penalty and even had a player sent off but deservedly emerged victorious.
They spent the entire time in their opponent’s field and, from hammering so much, won the triumph in the 42nd minute of the second half.
Vasco was left in possession of the ball in the first half but was very incisive. The two goalkeepers did little work on the evening and only Ribamar had a great chance but he headed over Velásquez’s goal after an excellent cross by Léo Gil.
After the break, the tone of the match would be the same, with a slightly less timid Caracas but nothing that scared Fernando Miguel. And the Venezuelans decided to help in the 13th minute. Casiani made a foul on Henrique that led to a penalty. Carlinhos, however, was not on the same wavelength and hit badly. He hit it straight at Velásquez who parried safely.
The match was going to 0-0 when Tiago Reis, who hadn’t scored since June 7 last year, grabbed the late all-important goal to give Vasco the win. It was a huge relief for Ramon Menezez who finally saw his side win.
Vasco and Caracas will meet next Wednesday for the return leg in the Venezuelan capital. If Caracas wins 1-0, the spot will be decided on penalties.
