Sosa, captain and sole past winner, begins Sudamericana campaign as Vasco inspiration | OneFootball

Two seasons after lifting the Copa Sudamericana as Racing captain, Argentine midfielder Santiago Sosa starts his Vasco campaign aiming to inspire a push to end the club’s 26-year wait for an international title. He is the only member of the squad to have previously won the competition.

According to Globo.com, Sosa has been registered for the quarter-finals and is included for the first time in this year’s tournament for Tuesday’s first leg against Santa Fe in Bogotá. He has quickly become a midfield pillar under Pedro Emanuel.

Captain in Racing’s 2024 triumph, Sosa featured in all 13 matches as the Avellaneda club beat Huachipato in the last 16, then knocked out Athletico-PR and Corinthians before defeating Cruzeiro in the final. That title ended Racing’s 36-year international drought.

Having played this edition’s group stage for Racing, Sosa was later registered by Vasco for the knockouts. He made his Vasco debut a little over three weeks ago in a 3-0 Brasileirão defeat to Santos, replacing the injured Jair in the first half, and his form has since grown.

His leadership has aided a swift adaptation, helped by support from fellow foreign players, and he is already a trusted piece in Pedro Emanuel’s tactical plan.

In Bogotá, Vasco will be without Cuesta, Andrés Gómez and Adson, who were rested, while Thiago Mendes is suspended and Colidio is ineligible. The first leg kicks off at 19h Brasília time on Tuesday at El Campín, with the return next Tuesday, 15, at São Januário.

Source: Globo.com

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”