Paulo Henrique assist sends Vasco into Sudamericana last 16 after throwback display | OneFootball

Paulo Henrique produced a display reminiscent of his 2025 peak. The right-back's surging runs from deep told, and his pass teed up Thiago Mendes as Vasco beat Independiente Medellín to reach the Copa Sudamericana last 16.

Globo.com notes that he finished last year with four goals and eight assists in 58 appearances, capped by a Brazil call-up.

It was the No 96's first start since the arrival of Pedro Emanuel. The position remains open, with Puma Rodríguez yet to string together a convincing run.

This has been an up and down season for the right-back. He ended last year carrying pain in his right foot and played through to avoid missing the closing stages of the Copa do Brasil, which left him starting 2026 behind the rest of the squad physically.

Even so, Vasco's hierarchy continue to back him. Club president Pedrinho rejected an offer from PAOK of Greece this week, and the instruction is not to release a player regarded as important.

Source: Globo.com