From enforcer to reserve, Cuesta set for first start under Renato Gaúcho | OneFootball

Six months ago Cuesta being a reserve at Vasco felt unthinkable, yet he will make his first start under Renato Gaúcho as the Copa Sudamericana begins.

According to Globo.com, Vasco will rest regulars against Barracas Central on Tuesday, opening the door for the Colombian to return to XI after almost two months. His last outing came against Volta Redonda in the Carioca quarter-finals.

He debuted in September 2025 against Ceará in the Brasileirão, came on and scored in a 2-2 draw, then stood out for Fernando Diniz through September and October.

November brought a collapse, eight rounds yielded seven defeats and one win. The slide dragged Vasco from a Libertadores push into a relegation fight, and they finished 14th on 45 points.

The Copa do Brasil return leg hurt his standing, as against Corinthians he lost Yuri Alberto for the first goal and arrived late on Memphis for the second.

He began this season as first choice, but right knee pain opened the way for Saldivia, who kept the spot under Renato Gaúcho. The downturn has also cost him his Colombia place, having been recalled in the final FIFA window of 2025 but not selected by Néstor Lorenzo since, months out from the 2026 World Cup.

Others eyeing minutes include Hugo Moura, JP, Nuno Moreira and Adson, while fellow Colombian Marino Hinestroza seeks to readapt. Marcelo Salles, Renato’s assistant, will lead the side at 19:00 Brasília time in a group with Barracas Central, Audax Italiano and Olimpia.

Source: Globo.com