Vasco Faces Boca Juniors Without Suspended Andrés Gómez

Vasco da Gama must reorganize its attack for the Copa Sudamericana 2026 semifinal second leg against Boca Juniors at the Maracanã in Rio de Janeiro on Tuesday, October 20. According to Sporting News, forward Andrés Gómez is unavailable through suspension after his dismissal in the opening leg, leaving coach Pedro Emanuel to consider alternatives for a match that could send Vasco into the final.

Vasco carries a 1-0 advantage from the first meeting in Buenos Aires on October 13, when Adson scored the decisive goal. The Brazilian club needs a draw in the return fixture to secure qualification for the final, according to Sporting News.

Gómez's absence follows his expulsion during the second half of the first leg. The Colombian received a second yellow card after a confrontation with Chilean referee Piero Maza, triggering an automatic suspension for the return match under the competition's disciplinary rules.

The incident began when Gómez fouled Ascacíbar and interfered with a quick restart by the Argentine side. After receiving his first yellow card, the forward disputed the decision and made physical contact with the referee, who issued a second caution followed by a red card, according to Sporting News.

Pedro Emanuel is assessing Marino Hinestroza and David as possible replacements in the attacking line. Sporting News reported that the coaching staff's final selection would depend on its tactical approach against Boca Juniors.

Beyond the team selection, Vasco supporters gathered at Centro Cultural Candinho in Gamboa, a historic site associated with the club's origins in 1898. According to odia.ig.com.br, the cultural center serves as a venue for exhibitions, historical preservation and community gatherings, providing a meeting point for fans ahead of the semifinal.

The same outlet reported that Vasco supporters expressed optimism about the team's prospects for the end of the year. The match also marked a home fixture against an opponent from outside Rio de Janeiro following Vasco's defeat to Corinthians in the Copa do Brasil final, according to odia.ig.com.br.

Vasco and Boca Juniors were scheduled to meet at 9:30 p.m. Brasília time on October 20 at the Maracanã for the second leg of the Copa Sudamericana semifinal. Sporting News listed SBT and Paramount+ as broadcasters for the match.