(VIDEO) Vasco da Gama vs Santa Fe | Quarterfinals of the Copa Sudamericana

Vasco da Gama made the most of their home-field advantage to defeat Independiente Santa Fe 2-0 and secure a place in the Copa Sudamericana semifinals, where they will face the winner of the series between São Paulo and Boca Juniors.

A Vasco da Gama side featuring several backup players secured a place in the Copa Sudamericana semifinals on Tuesday after defeating Independiente Santa Fe 2-0 in the second leg. Following a scoreless draw in Bogotá, the Brazilian side decided the series with goals from Bruno Duarte and David.

The defeat also ended Santa Fe’s 12-match unbeaten run across all competitions.

Vasco da Gama Take Control in the First Half

The team coached by Pedro Emanuel controlled much of the match and recorded around 60 percent possession during the first half. Despite the Brazilian side’s dominance, Santa Fe had a major opportunity in the 18th minute when Hugo Rodallega received a cross from the right and fired a shot that forced Léo Jardim into a save.

Vasco da Gama responded by increasing the pressure around the Colombian side’s penalty area, although they initially struggled to convert their chances.

The deadlock was finally broken in the 36th minute. Uruguayan defender Alan Saldivia recovered the ball and set up Bruno Duarte, who took advantage of the opportunity to beat goalkeeper Mosquera and make it 1-0.

David Seals Vasco’s Place in the Semifinals

Despite holding the lead, Pedro Emanuel turned to some of the starters he had initially rested in the second half, including Colombian forward Andrés Gómez. The move allowed the home side to maintain control and increase the pressure.

After making four substitutions, Vasco da Gama found their second goal. Tchê Tchê started the move down the right flank before José Luis "Puma" Rodríguez sent a cross into the box that substitute David headed home to make it 2-0.

With qualification virtually secured, the Brazilian side slowed the tempo and allowed Santa Fe to push forward in search of a goal. Emmanuel Olivera came close to pulling one back, but the Colombian side was unable to find the net.

Vasco da Gama managed their advantage until the final whistle and secured their place in the semifinals, where they will face the winner of the series between São Paulo and Boca Juniors.