Vasco is in the semi-finals of the 2024 Copa do Brasil! Cruzmaltino beat Athletico-PR, on penalties, 5-4 this Wednesday (11) in the second leg of the competition’s quarter-finals. Vegetti scored the decisive penalty, guaranteeing qualification.
At Ligga Arena, Cuello opened the scoring for the home team and Zapelli extended the lead, but still in the first half Vegetti pulled one back for Vasco, making the score 2-1 in normal time.
The score was the same as the first leg, which Vasco won 2-1 at São Januário. Therefore, Cruzmaltino only needed a draw to advance, while Furacão needed to win by two goals or more. A victory for Athletico-PR by one goal would take the decision to penalties, and that’s what happened.
In the penalty shootout, Pablo, Mastriani, Madson and João Cruz converted for the home team, while Canobbio was stopped by Léo Jardim. Vasco converted all of their penalties with Sforza, Puma Rodríguez, Victor Luis, Mateus Carvalho and Vegetti.
Now Vasco awaits the result of the match between Atlético-MG and São Paulo, which takes place this Thursday (12), at Arena MRV, in Belo Horizonte, to find out who will be their opponent in the semi-final of the Copa do Brasil.
The game
First half
Vasco had the first good chance of the game, with a header from Vegetti, but it was the home team who dominated the action and managed to take the lead. In the 16th minute, Cuello received the ball from Esquivel, controlled it and scored to open the scoring at the Ligga Arena.
After the goal, Furacão grew even more in the match, which became heated, with many fouls. Athletico-PR extended the lead with Zapelli, in the 31st minute. Furacão’s number 10 received the ball from Cuello and scored with a header.
After the home team’s second goal, Rayan became a negative highlight for Vasco. The forward wasted a great chance after a mistake by Kaíque and was subsequently sent off for assaulting Esquivel. Rayan hit the Furacão player in the face with his arm after a tackle.
Despite this, Vasco managed to pull one back in the first half. Piton crossed perfectly for Vegetti to head in at 44 minutes.
Second half
The second half began with Athletico-PR looking to extend their lead and secure their place in the standings. Just two minutes in, Mastriani almost opened the scoring with a header, but was stopped by Léo Jardim.
From then on, the game became slow and choppy, with many fouls. Neither team was able to create good chances and Athletico-PR was unable to make the most of their numerical advantage.
From the 20th minute onwards, Furacão started to create chances again. Kaíque Rocha and Mastriani tried with their heads, but without success.
At 30 minutes, Cuello, who was one of Athletico-PR’s standout players in the match, arrived unmarked on the right and crossed for Canobbio, but Paulo Henrique cleared the ball. At 40 minutes, it was Pablo’s turn to head the ball dangerously, but it went wide. But the score remained as follows: Athletico-PR 2-1 Vasco, taking the game to penalties.
Upcoming games
Athletico-PR and Vasco return to the field this weekend for the 26th round of the Brazilian Championship. Furacão faces Fortaleza on Saturday (14), at Ligga Arena, at 6:30 pm. Vasco has a classic ahead. They face Flamengo, on Sunday (15), at 6:30 pm. The game will be at Maracanã.
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