Palmeiras beat Vasco 1-0 at Nubank Parque in São Paulo on Sunday, taking a narrow lead in the first leg of their Copa do Brasil semifinal. Mauricio scored the decisive goal, but the hosts were unable to make the most of a 15-minute spell with an extra player. A draw in next Sunday’s return match in Rio de Janeiro would send Palmeiras through to the final.
Palmeiras started quickly, with Flaco López and Giay both missing early chances. The breakthrough came in the 24th minute: Jhon Arias created space on the left, Marlon Freitas collected the loose ball and set up Mauricio to score past Léo Jardim.
The hosts remained in control for much of the first half and came close to doubling their lead before the break. After the Vasco goalkeeper challenged Flaco, Paulo Henrique cleared Arias’s attempt off the line. Vasco then threatened through Lescano, who shot wide.
Vasco improved after halftime, and Adson produced the first shot of the second half following an individual run. The visitors also appealed for a penalty after a possible handball by Barboza, but referee Anderson Daronco allowed play to continue.
The match opened up, with chances at both ends, before Vasco defender Saldivia was sent off in the 33rd minute for a second yellow card following a foul on substitute Vitor Roque. Palmeiras could not turn its numerical advantage into another goal, leaving the tie open.
“We’ll value the result, which is important. It’s an advantage,” Marlon Freitas said after the game. “Given the number of chances we created, I think we could have left with a bigger advantage.” Vasco’s Santiago Sosa said his team had played well even with 10 men and believed the tie remained open.
The Copa do Brasil final will be a single match in Brasília on December 6. Vasco are seeking a second title in the competition, while Palmeiras are aiming for their fifth. Palmeiras reached the semifinal after aggregate wins over Fortaleza and Santos; Vasco advanced by beating Fluminense and Vitória.
Sources: Folha Esporte.