Copa Sudamericana semi-finals: Boca Juniors complete turnaround against Vasco da Gama to reach final
Boca Juniors made an inspired comeback to beat Vasco da Gama at the Maracanã in the second leg of their Copa Sudamericana semi-finals. A goal down from the first leg, the Argentine giants turned around the tie to book their place in this year’s final.
It took Boca only three minutes to level the score on aggregate. Centre-back Lautaro Di Lollo rose highest to meet Lautaro Blanco’s corner, and his header went past Leo Jardim. Moments later, the visitors almost doubled their lead.
A fine attacking move saw Miguel Merentiel play an impressive back heel pass to Leonel Flores, but his attempt was blocked by Jardim. Vasco da Gama then settled into the game and saw captain Thiago Mendes thump a header wide of the right post. Boca made the home side pay in the 34th minute.
After Sebastian Villa was denied by Jardim, the Xeneize kept up the pressure, and Villa played a long ball through for Miguel Merentiel. The Uruguayan forward made no mistake and put his side ahead on aggregate.
In the second half, Vasco da Gama came out with a much more positive intent. Defender José Luis Rodríguez saw his shot go narrowly wide of Alvaro Montero’s post, and Bruno Duarte’s long-range attempt went well above the goal. But they finally had their reward in the 66th minute.
Luis Rodríguez capitalised on a half-hearted clearance inside the box and his angled shot found the far corner to bring Cruzmaltino level on aggregate. Pedro Emanuel’s side upped the tempo with Boca suddenly unable to build any proper pressure. With the Argentine side feeling the pressure, Brenner almost poked the equaliser after the Boca defence failed to clear the ball.
Alan Lescano also saw his effort from outside the box sail over the bar. Rodolfo Arruabarrena’s men held on and then hit the killer blow with just two minutes of normal time remaining.
Boca captain Leandro Paredes unleashed a shot from a distance, and Jardim’s wrong judgment allowed the ball to end up into the net to spark wild celebrations among the travelling fans. The 3-1 result meant Boca Juniors have reached their first Copa Sudamericana semi-final since 2005.
This result also means the Argentine giants remain in contention for their first major continental title since their Copa Libertadores success in 2007. They will now face either Atlético Mineiro or Montevideo City Torque, who play in the other semi-final tie.
On the other hand, it is a painful outcome for Vasco da Gama, with the Brazilian side doing so well to win at La Bombonera last week.
Despite their league position (15th in Serie A), the Rio side have been competing strongly on other fronts. Following the Sudamericana exit, their focus will turn to the Copa do Brasil semi-final tie against Palmeiras, and they will also fight to ensure their status in the topflight is secured.
