By: Kian Silva
RED CARD, GOALS & VAR DRAMA AS IDV SMASH VASCO 4–0 IN QUITO
QUITO, ECUADOR — Independiente del Valle (IDV) and Vasco da Gama face off for the first time ever in CONMEBOL competition this Tuesday night at the historic Estadio Olímpico Atahualpa, opening a round of 24 clash in the Copa Sudamericana that brings together two clubs with contrasting form and rich continental pedigree.
IDV enters the tie after finishing third in their Copa Libertadores group, while Vasco qualified as runners-up in their Copa Sudamericana group. Despite never meeting before, both sides carry strong records against teams from each other’s country. The Ecuadorian club has won four of six knockout series against Brazilian opposition in international play, most recently defeating Rio-based Flamengo in the 2023 Recopa Final. Vasco, on the other hand, has come out on top in two of three knockout matchups against Ecuadorian teams, including the 1998 Libertadores final, where they claimed their only continental title against Barcelona SC.
In terms of league form, the contrast is large. Independiente del Valle sits top of Ecuador’s Serie A table and heads into the match in strong form. Vasco da Gama, meanwhile, sits 14th in Brazil’s Brasileirao, 14 points behind the league leaders, Flamengo, and looking to regain stability.
With the first leg set in the altitude of Quito, all eyes turn to whether IDV can capitalize on home advantage, or if Vasco can get a statement result on the road.
The match kicked off with Independiente del Valle setting the early tempo, but it was Vasco da Gama who nearly struck first. In the 5th minute, a quick combination between Moreira and Rayan on the right side of the box led to a sharp left-footed effort by Rayan, forcing an early save from Guido Villar.
Just minutes later, in the 9th, the game took a dramatic turn. Renato Ibarra found teenager Darwin Guagua with a pass down the right side of the midfield. As Guagua attempted to advance into the opposition's half, he was taken down by Lucas Piton with a studs-up challenge. Referee Kevin Ortega initially issued a yellow card, but following an on-field VAR review, the caution was upgraded to a straight red, leaving Vasco with ten men.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Vasco continued to threaten, particularly through Rayan. In the 17th and 20th minutes, the winger delivered two powerful free-kicks on target, both saved brilliantly by Villar. The second attempt created chaos in the box, with Paulo Henrique getting to the rebound but sending his header well over the bar while appealing for a penalty; replays showed no contact on the challenge.
IDV responded in the 25th minute with a dangerous long ball from Matías Fernández that picked out Ronald Briones. His curling effort was parried away by Vasco keeper Léo Jardim, though Claudio Spinelli couldn't capitalize on the rebound.
The Ecuadorian side came even closer in the 32nd minute. A precise cross from Gustavo Cortez found Spinelli, whose header beat the keeper but struck the crossbar. Moments later, a second delivery from Fernández connected with Guagua, whose redirected header was pushed over the bar by Leonardo in another outstanding reflex save.
The match remained intense. In the 37th minute, Vasco's Hugo Moura received a yellow card for a late tackle from behind on Mercado. One minute later, Jordi Alcívar’s powerful free-kick forced yet another strong save from Jardim, with both goalkeepers continuing to impress.
In the 44th minute, Alcívar picked up a yellow card for a tactical foul to stop a Rayan-led counterattack.
Finally, the breakthrough arrived in first-half stoppage time. A great spell of possession on the right wing saw Ibarra combine with Richard Schunke, before Ibarra delivered a low cross into the box. Guagua’s initial header was saved by Jardim, but the rebound fell kindly to Carabajal, who made no mistake from close range to put Independiente del Valle ahead just before halftime.
The referee blew for the half-time break at 45+6, with the home side holding a deserved 1–0 lead after a high-intensity first half filled with chances, saves, and controversy.
Vasco da Gama made a defensive adjustment at halftime, bringing on Mauricio Lemos in an effort to contain the damage and head back to Brazil with the deficit manageable. But it was Independiente del Valle who came out even stronger.
Just four minutes into the half, IDV struck again. In the 49th minute, Ibarra and Matías Fernández combined well down the right wing before Fernández whipped in a cross. Although Spinelli failed to control it, the ball fell kindly to Patrik Mercado, who fired home. Vasco keeper Léo Jardim reacted late, and IDV doubled their lead.
Only two minutes later, the Ecuadorian side extended their advantage to 3–0. After winning the ball back quickly, IDV launched a direct attack down the left. Briones cut inside and delivered a precise cross to the far post, where Spinelli timed his run perfectly to tap it in.
In the 61st minute, Briones was shown a yellow card for a late challenge on Vasco’s Pablo Vegetti and was immediately substituted, with Áron Rodríguez entering the pitch.
Despite trailing by three, Vasco’s frustrations grew. Goalkeeper Jardim was booked in the 71st minute for time-wasting, a sign of the visitors' intent to avoid further embarrassment rather than mount a comeback.
IDV nearly added a fourth in the 73rd minute. Rodríguez floated a well-weighted ball to the back post for Ibarra, who headed it down to substitute Juan Cazares. The Ecuadorian struck it first time, but the shot inadvertently deflected off Spinelli, denying a certain goal.
In the 82nd minute, the fourth goal did arrive. Cazares and Spinelli exchanged a slick one-two inside the box, and although Cazares’ initial effort was blocked, the loose ball fell to Fernández. His shot was cleared off the line, but Mercado pounced on the rebound and smashed it into the net for his second of the night.
Two minutes later, IDV thought they had added a fifth. After recovering the ball off Vasco’s kickoff, Fernández found Cazares at the top of the box. His effort was again blocked but fell perfectly to Spinelli, who finished cleanly. However, after a VAR check, the goal was ruled out for offside.
In the 88th minute, Mercado earned a penalty after going down under a challenge from Lemos. Despite strong protests from Vasco players, the referee upheld the call. Cazares stepped up to the spot but was denied by Jardim, who dove to his right to make a strong save and keep the scoreline at 4–0.
The referee blew the final whistle at 90+3, sealing a dominant first-leg victory for Independiente del Valle, who now take a commanding lead into the return leg in Brazil.
FINAL SCORE: INDEPENDIENTE DEL VALLE 4 – 0 VASCO DA GAMA
Goals: Carabajal (45+3’), Mercado (49’, 82’), Spinelli (51’)
Congtributed by: Kian Silva