Vasco defeats Boca 1-0 in Copa Sudamericana semifinal, ends 17-game unbeaten run

Vasco da Gama defeated Boca Juniors 1-0 in the Copa Sudamericana semifinal first leg on October 13, 2026, at La Bombonera, ending Boca's 17-match unbeaten streak. Adson scored in the 25th minute, and Vasco held on despite Andrés Gómez's red card in the 63rd minute and Boca's late pressure.

Quick Facts

Copa Sudamericana semifinal first leg match
Vasco victory 1-0
Adson goal in 25th minute
Andrés Gómez red card in 63rd minute
End of Boca's 17-match unbeaten run

Vasco da Gama defeated Boca Juniors 1-0 on October 13, 2026, at La Bombonera in Buenos Aires in the first leg of the Copa Sudamericana semifinals. The Brazilian side's victory ended Boca's 17-match unbeaten streak, which had lasted since July 30, 2026, when O'Higgins defeated them in the competition's playoff round.

Adson scored the decisive goal in the 25th minute after Andrés Gómez crossed from the wing and the Vasco forward headed past Boca goalkeeper Álvaro Montero. The goal came early and forced Boca to take the initiative for much of the match. Boca created several chances, including efforts from Enner Valencia, Miguel Merentiel, and Santiago Ascacíbar, but Vasco goalkeeper Léo Jardim made key saves to preserve the lead.

The match turned in Vasco's tactical favor when Andrés Gómez received a red card in the 63rd minute after receiving a second yellow card and pushing Chilean referee Piero Maza following a dispute over a free kick. Despite playing with a numerical advantage for the final 27 minutes, Boca could not convert their pressure into a goal. Lautaro Blanco hit the post in the 54th minute, and Ascacíbar struck the crossbar in the 71st minute among multiple scoring opportunities.

Boca's absence of midfielder Leandro Paredes, sidelined by a grade 2 hamstring injury, was widely noted as a factor in the team's difficulties in midfield control and ball distribution. The loss also marked Vasco's first victory over Boca in Argentina and their first win against the Buenos Aires club since 1951, when they defeated them 3-0 at the Maracanã.

The second leg is scheduled for October 20, 2026, in Rio de Janeiro. Vasco can advance to the Copa Sudamericana final with a draw, while Boca must overturn the deficit to progress. The match will be Vasco's first continental final appearance in 26 years.

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#semifinal #Brazil #Argentina #South American #Copa Sudamericana #Boca Juniors #Vasco da Gama #football

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Why This Matters

Vasco's victory reshapes the Copa Sudamericana semifinal trajectory: Vasco advances to the final with any draw or win in the second leg on October 20; Boca must overturn a one-goal deficit on the road in Rio de Janeiro to progress. The result marks Vasco's first win in Argentina against Boca since 1951 and their first continental final appearance in 26 years, affecting both clubs' trophy calendars and continental prestige. Boca's unbeaten streak collapse, spanning 17 matches since late July, removes a psychological advantage they carried into the playoff stage.

Timeline & Sources

Jan 1, 1951

Wire

Vasco's previous victory over Boca (3-0 at Maracanã)

Jul 30, 2026

Wire

Boca Juniors loses 1-0 to O'Higgins in Copa Sudamericana playoff; streak begins

Oct 13, 2026

Wire

Match concludes; Vasco holds 1-0 victory

Oct 20, 2026

Wire

Copa Sudamericana semifinal second leg scheduled in Rio de Janeiro

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Boca Juniors hosts Vasco da Gama in Copa Sudamericana semifinal first leg
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