Vasco came from behind to beat Athletico-PR 3-1 at the Arena da Baixada, with coach Pedro Emanuel crediting the team’s mental response and explaining why he chose a three-centre-back formation. He said the adjustment followed a run in which Vasco had conceded seven goals across three matches and was designed to provide greater defensive consistency against an opponent strong in the air and physically powerful in attack.
Mendoza put Athletico-PR ahead in the first half. After changes at the interval, Vasco scored three times through an own goal by Aguirre, Bruno Duarte and Gabriel Pereira. Emanuel said the defensive line had allowed the opening long-range shot, but praised the players’ resilience and said they were able to apply pressure on crosses for much of the match.
The coach said Vasco’s attacking efficiency was decisive: the team had created chances without converting them, but scored during a five- or six-minute spell after the break. He also acknowledged that the squad had been anxious after a sequence of poor results, with the players aware of the importance of securing a win at this stage of the Brazilian Championship.
Emanuel said Vasco remained compact after taking the lead and gave up little following an Athletico-PR sending-off. He described the back-three approach as a response to the opponent and the team’s recent defensive record, rather than a permanent commitment, adding that the setup could change for the next match.
The victory took Vasco to 41 points, four clear of Grêmio, the first team in the relegation zone at the time of the report. It also ended a 19-year wait for a win over Athletico-PR at the Arena da Baixada. Vasco’s next focus is the Copa do Brasil semi-final against Palmeiras: after losing the first leg 1-0, the team is due to host the return match at São Januário on Sunday.
Sources: Globo Esporte.