CONMEBOL Sudamericana
Vasco da Gama vs Boca Juniors | Highlights | Copa Sudamericana Semifinal
Boca Juniors defeated Vasco da Gama 3-1 at the Maracanã to secure a place in the Copa Sudamericana final. Leandro Paredes emerged as the hero with an 88th-minute goal that completed the Argentine side's comeback.… Show More
Boca Juniors defeated Vasco da Gama 3-1 at the Maracanã to secure a place in the Copa Sudamericana final. Leandro Paredes emerged as the hero with an 88th-minute goal that completed the Argentine side's comeback.
Boca Juniors enjoyed a memorable night in Rio de Janeiro, defeating Vasco da Gama 3-1 to secure their place in the 2026 Copa Sudamericana final.
Rodolfo Arruabarrena's team arrived at the Maracanã needing to overturn a 1-0 first-leg defeat at La Bombonera, but responded with an impressive performance from the opening minutes.
Just four minutes into the match, Lautaro Di Lollo connected with a corner kick delivered by Lautaro Blanco, scoring a header that leveled the aggregate score.
The Argentine side continued to apply pressure, and in the 34th minute, Miguel Merentiel received a pass from Sebastián Villa before calmly finishing past Léo Jardim to make it 2-0.
With that advantage, Boca headed into halftime in control of the tie and increasingly close to reaching the final.
Vasco da Gama Fight Back and Threaten Boca's Qualification
Vasco da Gama head coach Pedro Emanuel made changes at halftime in an attempt to regain control of the match.
The introductions of Brenner and Marino Hinestroza transformed the Brazilian side's attacking approach, allowing them to create dangerous opportunities against Álvaro Montero.
In the 66th minute, Puma Rodríguez capitalized on a deflected cross from Cuiabano and scored with a powerful strike to make it 2-1.
The goal brought the aggregate score level once again, seemingly sending the semifinal toward a penalty shootout.
Leandro Paredes Strikes in the 88th Minute to Decide the Semifinal
With the match approaching its final minutes, Leandro Paredes stepped up to become the hero of the night.
The Argentine midfielder, who had entered the match in the 57th minute after recovering from a muscle injury, unleashed a powerful curling shot from outside the penalty area.
His effort caught Léo Jardim off guard and found the back of the net in the 88th minute, sealing the 3-1 victory.
The goal sparked wild celebrations among the Argentine side and ended Vasco's hopes of returning to a continental final.
When Will Boca Juniors Play the Copa Sudamericana Final?
With their qualification secured, Boca Juniors will compete in the Copa Sudamericana final on November 21 at the Estadio Metropolitano in Barranquilla, Colombia.
Their opponent will be determined by the semifinal between Atlético Mineiro and Montevideo City Torque.
The Argentine giants will be aiming to claim their third title in the competition, having previously lifted the trophy in 2004 and 2005.
Key Takeaways
- Boca Juniors defeated Vasco da Gama 3-1 at the Maracanã.
- Lautaro Di Lollo opened the scoring in the fourth minute.
- Miguel Merentiel doubled the lead in the 34th minute.
- Puma Rodríguez leveled the aggregate score in the 66th minute.
- Leandro Paredes scored the decisive goal in the 88th minute.
- Boca Juniors will play the Copa Sudamericana final on November 21 in Barranquilla.
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