Boca Juniors will travel to Rio de Janeiro on Tuesday needing another of their familiar Brazilian cup recoveries after Vasco da Gama left La Bombonera with a 1-0 advantage in the first leg of the Copa Sudamericana semi-final.
The Buenos Aires side never found the composure required on a night when a home lead was the priority. Vasco were sharper before the interval, made their superiority count through Adson’s headed goal, and then survived a relentless Boca finish after Andrés Gómez was sent off.
Vasco take control before the break
Boca entered the tie short of two important creative figures. Young midfielder Tomás Aranda had already been sidelined by injury, while captain Leandro Paredes was ruled out shortly before the semi-final with a muscle tear.
Williams Alarcón and Carlos Palacios came into the side, but Boca struggled to establish rhythm or retain control in midfield. Their attacks were hurried and inaccurate, while Vasco found space through wide areas and were anchored by the assured Santiago Sosa.
Rodolfo Arruabarrena also opted to start Enner Valencia ahead of Miguel Merentiel, despite Merentiel’s recent form. The Boca coach said he wanted a greater physical presence in the opposition penalty area, but Valencia was unable to provide the decisive intervention.
Vasco’s first-half performance brought the only goal. Adson met a delivery with a header that flew into the far corner beyond Boca goalkeeper Alvaro Montero, giving the visitors a valuable lead to protect.
Boca’s late pressure goes unrewarded
Arruabarrena reacted quickly after half-time, replacing the more defensive Alarcón with winger Sebastián Villa. The change made Boca more aggressive, although Vasco came close to doubling their advantage when Paulo Henrique surged forward and sent a shot narrowly wide.
Boca soon had their own warning sign for the Brazilian visitors. Lautaro Blanco’s cross struck the post, before the match turned further in the hosts’ favour when Gómez received a red card in a needless dismissal.
With Vasco reduced to 10 men, Boca filled the attacking positions. Merentiel and Ángel Romero were introduced as Arruabarrena sought an equaliser, and the home team spent the closing stages pressing towards the visitors’ goal.
Villa squandered two opportunities, Santiago Ascacibar struck the crossbar, and dangerous balls flashed across the area without either Valencia or Leonel Flores applying the final touch. For all the pressure, Vasco held firm.
Arruabarrena admitted afterwards that Boca had found the contest difficult. Vasco, meanwhile, depart Buenos Aires with a narrow but significant advantage and the second leg at home.
Boca’s continental history includes memorable nights in Brazil. They will need another in Rio if they are to overturn Vasco’s lead and reach the Copa Sudamericana final.
