Boca Juniors Scores Twice to Take Aggregate Lead Over Vasco

Vasco da Gama faces the prospect of elimination from the Copa Sudamericana after Boca Juniors overturned the momentum of their semifinal second leg at the Maracana on Tuesday, October 20. According to Yahoo Sports Canada, the Argentine side scored twice in the first half to establish a 2-1 aggregate lead and move closer to the final. Boca struck within four minutes through Di Lollo, who won an aerial duel against Sosa to convert a corner delivered by Blanco.

The early goal put the visitors in a favorable position after Vasco had entered the match with an advantage earned at La Bombonera. The second goal arrived in the 34th minute after a mistake by Saldívia gave Boca an opportunity to launch an attack. Merentiel finished the move, increasing the pressure on the Brazilian side as the match progressed.

According to Yahoo Sports Canada, Vasco now needs one more goal to level the aggregate score and force a penalty shootout. A draw in the overall semifinal contest would allow the Rio de Janeiro club to reach the final against Montevideo City Torque.

Boca approached the match aggressively, pressing from the opening whistle and taking advantage of Vasco's difficulties retaining possession. Blanco, identified by Yahoo Sports Canada as the team's leading assist provider this season, contributed to the breakthrough with his delivery from a corner. Vasco nearly responded in the seventh minute when a counterattack created an opportunity for Adson and Bruno Duarte. However, the two players failed to coordinate their movement, and the chance passed without an equalizer.

The missed opportunity reflected Vasco's early difficulties as the home side attempted to regain control. Although both teams maintained an intense pace, Vasco continued to struggle when defending without the ball, allowing Boca to exploit openings before halftime. The second goal further strengthened Boca's position in the tie, leaving Vasco needing another score to keep its final hopes alive. The winner of the semifinal is scheduled to face either Montevideo City Torque or Atletico MG in the Copa Sudamericana final, according to the tournament context reported in the source.