Vasco into Copa do Brasil semis as Léo Jardim turns hero | OneFootball

Vasco secured their spot in the Copa do Brasil semifinals in a thrilling qualification against Botafogo at Nilton Santos Stadium. After a 2-2 draw on aggregate, the decision went to penalties, where Léo Jardim became the star of the night.

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Nuno Moreira scored before Alex Telles equalized; in the penalties, it was Vasco’s win – Image: VYCTOR SANTOS/PERA PHOTO PRESS/ESTADÃO

Fernando Diniz’s team started well, dominating the first half and opening the scoring with Nuno Moreira. However, minutes later, Léo Jardim ended up committing a controversial penalty, converted by Alex Telles, putting Botafogo ahead and leaving Vasco under pressure. Despite this, the team remained organized and managed to hold the result until the end of regular time.

In the penalty shootout, the story changed. Léo Jardim, who had been the villain, shone by saving crucial shots and leading Vasco to qualification. The sequence was intense: Rayan, Puma, and Matheus França scored for Vasco, while Marlon Freitas, Matheus Martins, and Savarino converted for Botafogo. The decisive moment came with Robert Renan, who turned the final kick into a goal and sealed the cross-maltese’s qualification.

Amid drama, overcoming adversity, and emotion, Vasco bids farewell to Botafogo and stays alive in the Copa do Brasil, with Léo Jardim as the unexpected hero of the match.

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Nuno Moreira celebrates Vasco’s goal against Botafogo at Nilton Santos, for the Copa do Brasil Vyctor Santos/Pera Photo Press/Gazeta Press

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This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.