Rio de Janeiro’s derby carried an extra continental thread as Vasco da Gama, Boca Juniors’ Copa Sudamericana opponent, moved ahead of Botafogo in the Brasileirão.
Vasco took a 1-0 advantage through Lescano, whose goal gave the visitors cause to celebrate in one of Brazilian football’s most familiar city rivalries. Sosa and Colidio were both named in the starting line-up as Vasco sought to turn its domestic momentum into a result against its neighbours.
The match offered Boca a close look at the Brazilian side it will meet in South American competition, with the derby’s intensity providing a different setting from the continental schedule ahead.
