Decisive figure carries Vasco da Gama past Athletico Paranaense | OneFootball

Thiago Mendes settled the game in the 37th minute with a composed finish, as Vasco da Gama beat Athletico Paranaense 1-0 at São Januário.

Arriving from midfield, Mendes swept a right-footed shot into the bottom right from the centre after José Luis Rodríguez's pass (37.) for Vasco.

After the restart, he drew a foul to relieve pressure (47.). He then earned another on the left to slow Athletico-PR (78.). Late on, he won a further free kick to steer Gigante da Colina upfield (88.).

Mendes finished with 69 passes, 66 completed, plus 23 successful final third passes and six possessions won, a platform for Vasco's control.

His calm positioning and clean distribution kept Furacão's midfield chasing, allowing the home side to manage the tempo.

Vasco host Paysandu in the Copa Betano do Brasil next. Furacão visit Atlético Goianiense in the same competition.