Vasco meet coach who evokes fond memories of 1998 | OneFootball

Vasco fans may not be very familiar with Barracas Central, the Argentine club that will be their opponent in the opening match of the Copa Sudamericana this Tuesday (07), in Buenos Aires. However, the figure on the bench of the Buenos Aires side brings to mind the most glorious chapter in Vasco’s history. The modest opponent will be led by a familiar face: Rubén Darío Insúa.

+ Vasco opens its Copa Sudamericana campaign in Argentina: lineups and where to watch

Rubén Insúa’s long hair and the 1998 final

Sporting the same long hair as 28 years ago, the Argentine coach was in charge of Barcelona de Guayaquil in the unforgettable year of 1998. He was the one who led the Ecuadorian team to the Copa Libertadores final, only to be beaten by Vasco in both decisive matches.

The coach’s connection with the South American tournament goes way back. In 1992, still as a Barcelona player, he reached the semifinals and was eliminated by São Paulo. Years later, in his first experience on the sidelines, he made the final against a historic Vasco squad featuring names who now run the club, such as Pedrinho (president) and Felipe (technical director).

Insúa’s respect and the first-ever meeting

In an interview given to Correio Braziliense in the past, Insúa did not hold back in praising Vasco’s 1998 squad and admitted the opponent’s superiority at the time. The coach said he was impressed by the Rio team’s attacking power:

After spells with teams in Peru and Bolivia, as well as winning the Sudamericana itself with San Lorenzo in 2002, the Argentine took charge of Barracas Central in 2024. The team is having a steady season in the Argentine League, sitting ninth in Group 2.

Curiously, this Tuesday’s clash will be the first official meeting between the two clubs. The closest record dates back to 1929, at São Januário, when Vasco drew 0-0 with Sportivo Barracas, which is a different institution.

Rubén Insúa, Barracas Central coach — Photo: Rodrigo Valle/Getty Images

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