Vasco: who's up and who's down after Copa Sul-Americana blow | OneFootball

The 2-1 defeat to Audax Italiano did not bring the answers Vasco was looking for. The alternative lineup failed to seize the chance to impress coach Renato Gaúcho in a Copa Sudamericana clash. The starting lineup featured Léo Jardim, Puma Rodríguez, Cuesta, Lucas Freitas, Lucas Piton, Hugo Moura, JP, Nuno Moreira, Marino Hinestroza, Brenner and Spinelli.

The tough setback at São Januário was heavily shaped by JP’s sending-off just 35 minutes into the first half. Despite playing with one man fewer from early on, the Rio side produced a performance far from an inspired night. The game’s barometer showed individual displays ranging from pleasant surprises to major disappointments.

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Players on the rise under Renato Gaúcho

Forward Brenner was one of the few attacking players to show improvement on the continental night. He showed excellent awareness and presence in the box by arriving at the back post to slide in and redirect a cross, opening the scoring. In the second half, his performance dropped after being tactically sacrificed, playing out of position as a left-sided midfielder to help cover the undermanned area.

Another player who earned points internally was defensive midfielder Hugo Moura. He did not have what would be considered a brilliant match, but he provided a great deal of security in direct challenges. His role of protecting the heart of midfield was carried out firmly, earning praise for stopping the Chilean side’s dangerous counterattacks during the match.

Brenner celebrates goal in Vasco x Audax Italiano — Photo: André Durão

Disappointments and mistakes in Vasco’s defeat

The defensive balance for Vasco weighed directly against center-back Carlos Cuesta, who endured an unfortunate night. Tipped to start against São Paulo due to Saldivia’s suspension, he ended the match by conceding an avoidable and “childish” penalty that led to the opponents’ comeback.

Full-back Lucas Piton also made a serious mistake by being slow to track back, allowing Audax’s first goal in behind him.

The creative department’s main villain was Colombian Marino Hinestroza. The midfielder looked completely out of rhythm and misplaced passes that slowed the flow of Vasco’s moves. Visibly lacking chemistry, the board’s marquee signing failed to live up to high expectations and ended up leaving the pitch to boos from the stands.

Carlos Cuesta and Marino Hinestroza disappointed once again – Photo: André Durão

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