Vasco Da Gama vs Aurora Match Preview
Vasco da Gama have no choice but to overturn a 3-1 deficit against Aurora in the return leg of their Sudamericana tie. Despite starting well the 2,570 metre altitude in Cochabamba had a clear effect on their performance. But Vasco have fared well during normal circumstances, and currently share leadership of the Brazilian league with Corinthians.
The Rio de Janeiro-based side have experienced a tremendous 2011, as not only did they win the Copa do Brasil earlier in the year, but they are also on track for a rare treble, with the Sudamericana and the Brasileiro still on the horizon.
After going behind, Aurora caught Vasco by surprise in Bolivia with three goals, and will be hoping to close-in on a quarter-finals berth. The strategy of the Bolivians will surely be to sit back and absorb pressure, in an attempt to hit Vasco hard on the counterattack when least expected.
Vasco Da Gama vs Aurora Match Report
Vasco da Gama advanced to the quarter-finals of the competition after overturning a 3-1 deficit to beat Aurora of Bolivia 8-3 in an incredible match played at the Sao Januario stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Vasco will meet Universitario de Deportes of Peru in the following stage of the Copa Sudamericana.
Vasco's goals were scored by Bernardo and Alecsandro, twice each, and by Leandro, Douglas, Allan and Juninho Pernambucano, who converted a penalty kick and gave two assists.
After going into the break with a 3-1 advantage that leveled the tie, Vasco scored twice more to give themselves a healthy lead in the second half. However, Aurora pulled a goal back, giving them a life-line as it meant that if they would have scored once more they would have gone through instead of the Brazilians. But their luck lasted shortly, as in the space of ten minutes Vasco restored their advantage with two more goals.
Aurora pulled another goal back late on, but in second half injury-time Vasco scored their eighth goal of the night to cap off a sensational display that sent them through to the final eight.