Vasco beat Santa Fe at São Januário, reach Sul-Americana semis | OneFootball

Vasco stamped their ticket to the Copa Sudamericana semifinals by beating Santa Fe 2-0 on Tuesday night (15) at the cauldron of São Januário. After a goalless draw in the first leg in Bogotá, the Rio-based side weathered moments of pressure from the opposition and built the win through goals from center-forward Bruno Duarte and striker David, sparking celebrations in the stands and keeping alive their quest for the continental title against the winner of the tie between São Paulo and Boca Juniors.

Despite an early scare before kickoff with Barros suffering a muscle injury in the warm-up, promptly replaced by Santiago Sosa, the home side began the match looking to attack but needed decisive interventions from Léo Jardim. The Vasco goalkeeper made a spectacular point-blank save from veteran center-forward Hugo Rodallega and then watched a free kick from the same striker skim the crossbar, keeping the score level before the net finally bulged.

+ Financial relief: Vasco pockets R$ 65 million and brings its accounts up to date

Goals that secured qualification and a standout display from Vasco’s forwards

The scoreline at São Januário began to take shape in the 36th minute of the first half, when Vasco took advantage of regaining possession in the attacking third to break through Santa Fe’s lines. After Adson battled for the ball on the pitch, defender Saldivia pushed forward down the right flank and delivered a precise waist-high cross to Bruno Duarte, who struck first time from inside the six-yard box to beat the opposing goalkeeper and set the home fans alight.

After the break, manager Pedro Emanuel noticed the visitors growing into the game and turned to a quadruple tactical substitution in the 17th minute of the second half. The coaching staff’s reading had an immediate effect: just two minutes after stepping onto the pitch in place of the scorer of the first goal, the No. 7 took full advantage of a perfect cross from Pumita Rodríguez after a move started by Tchê Tchê and powered a header into the back of the net.

Bruno Duarte celebrates his first goal in a Vasco shirt – Photo: Disclosure / Conmebol

Defensive solidity and celebrations at São Januário

With a two-goal advantage established on aggregate, Vasco managed the tempo of the tie and neutralized Santa Fe’s desperate attempts until the final moments. Pablo Repetto’s men tried aerial crosses and mid-range shots, but were thwarted by the impeccable display of Vasco’s central defense and more assured saves between the posts.

The final whistle in the 51st minute of the second half confirmed the Portuguese coach’s unbeaten record in knockout matches this season. The club now awaits the outcome of the clash between the Brazilians and Argentines to find out its next opponent in the international competition, while keeping the squad focused on the simultaneous campaigns in the Brazilian Championship and the Copa do Brasil semifinals.

David celebrates Vasco’s second goal – Photo: Matheus Lima / Vasco da Gama