Independiente del Valle made a strong statement in the Copa Sudamericana by thrashing Vasco da Gama 4–0 at the Estadio Olímpico Atahualpa in Quito, in the first leg of the playoff to reach the Round of 16 of the continental tournament.

The Ecuadorian side, managed by Spanish coach Javier Rabanal, dominated from start to finish against a Brazilian team that was down to ten men from the 11th minute after Lucas Pitón was sent off for a foul on Darwin Guagua, confirmed after a VAR review.

Argentine Mateo Carabajal broke the deadlock just before halftime, smashing in a rebound from goalkeeper Léo Jardim. But the best from the Negriazul came in the second half.

Mercado shines in the rout

Ecuadorian midfielder Patrick Mercado doubled the lead in the 49th minute, chesting the ball down in the box and finishing coolly. Just two minutes later, Claudio Spinelli netted the third after an assist from Ronald Briones, leaving coach Fernando Diniz’s side stunned.

Mercado capped off a brilliant night with his second goal in the 82nd minute, sealing a dominant victory for the Ecuadorians. Late in the match, Juan Cazares missed a penalty that could have made it five, after a foul on Mercado.

All to play for in Brazil

With this emphatic win, Independiente del Valle, current leaders of Ecuador’s Liga Pro, are heavy favorites to go through. The club reached this playoff round after finishing third in their Copa Libertadores group, while Vasco da Gama came second in their Sudamericana group.

The return leg will be played next Tuesday at the Estádio São Januário in Rio de Janeiro. The winner of the tie will face fellow Ecuadorian side Mushuc Runa in the Round of 16.