At high altitude in Quito, Ecuador, Vasco was thrashed by Independiente del Valle 4-0 on Tuesday (15), in the first leg of the Conmebol South American playoffs 2025.

The ugly defeat inevitably passes through Lucas Piton’s expulsion before the 15th minute of the first half.

With one less, Léo Jardim worked miracles to save Vasco, who suffered 19 finishes in the first half – the highest number of a Brazilian, in international competitions, since 2017.

Despite all the effort, Jardim could not prevent Carabajal from “opening the gate”, in the additions, completing the rebound of the Vasco goalkeeper with a header.

On the return of the interval, there was no way.

Independiente del Valle arrived with everything and expanded with Patrik Mercado, in a finish that Léo Jardim even touched the ball, which kissed the post and died in the back of the goal.

Completely lost on the field, Vasco suffered the third goal in a flash.

After a closed cross from the left, Spinelli appeared in the area behind the defender to deflect and overcome Léo Jardim.

Without even being able to finish at the Ecuadorian goal, Vasco entered mode to avoid elimination in the first leg.

But in the final minutes, Patrik Mercado turned the victory into a rout.

Spinelli even made what would be the fifth Ecuadorian goal, but the play was annulled by offside, after VAR review.

However, Mauricio Lemos fouled Patrik Mercado in the area in the last minute of regular time. Léo Jardim, however, managed to defend the penalty taken by Cazares.

With the defeat, Vasco needs to win by five goals, in São Januário, next Tuesday (22), to advance to the quarterfinals of the Conmebol South American.

In case of victory by four goals, the spot will be decided on penalties. The Ecuadorians can lose up to three goals and still qualify.

Before, the Cruz-Maltino returns to the field next Saturday (19), when they host Grêmio, in São Januário, for the 15th round of the Brasileirão.

📸 RODRIGO BUENDIA – AFP or licensors