Vasco came from behind to defeat Athletico-PR 3-1 in the 34th round of Brazil’s Campeonato Brasileiro, ending a 19-year wait for a win at the Arena da Baixada. The victory also gave the team breathing room in the relegation battle ahead of its Copa do Brasil semifinal against Palmeiras on Sunday.
Coach Pedro Emanuel began with three central defenders, a setup Vasco had not used since his arrival. The first half was difficult: Sosa played in front of the defense, and Athletico pressed him when he had the ball. Mendoza opened the scoring with a long-range shot after finding space between Vasco’s defensive line and midfield.
Vasco also appealed for a penalty after Brenner went down in the area following a challenge by goalkeeper Mycael. Referee Ramon Abatti Abel did not review the incident on VAR. PC Oliveira, an officiating analyst for Canais Globo, judged that a penalty should have been awarded.
At halftime, Pedro Emanuel kept the three-man defense but replaced Sosa with Colidio. The change added another attacking option and helped Vasco find more passing routes through midfield. Lescano, who had been isolated before the break, became a key link between defense and attack, though he did not score or assist.
The equalizer came when Cuiabano sent a forceful cross into the area and Aguirre turned the ball into his own net. Vasco then made its pressure count: Puma Rodríguez reached the byline and crossed for Bruno Duarte to score, before Gabriel Pereira headed in from a Colidio free kick.
The win lifted Vasco to 41 points, four clear of Grêmio, the first team in the relegation zone. Vasco still has a postponed match against Chapecoense, scheduled for the 14th at the Arena Condá. The result also offers a boost before Sunday’s Copa do Brasil semifinal second leg against Palmeiras. Vasco lost the first leg 1-0 and will seek to overturn the deficit at São Januário.
Sources: Globo Esporte.