Vasco Draws with Santa Fe in Copa Sul-Americana Quarterfinals Amid New Signing
Vasco da Gama drew 0-0 with Santa Fe in the Copa Sul-Americana quarterfinals and announced the signing of midfielder Alan Lescano.
- • Vasco and Santa Fe played to a 0-0 draw in the first leg of the Copa Sul-Americana quarterfinals in Bogotá.
- • The return leg will be at Vasco’s home stadium on September 15, with penalties to decide if tied.
- • Vasco signed Argentine midfielder Alan Lescano on a four-year deal, costing $7 million plus bonuses.
- • Lescano arrives from Argentinos Juniors and is the club’s fifth addition this transfer window.
- • Vasco is pursuing additional reinforcements, aiming to strengthen the squad for ongoing competitions.
Key details
Vasco da Gama secured a goalless draw against Colombia's Santa Fe in the first leg of the Copa Sul-Americana quarterfinals on September 8, 2026, at Bogotá's Estadio Nemesio Camacho El Campín, which sits at 2,640 meters altitude. Vasco fielded a largely rotated squad with only two starters from their previous match. Despite several clear chances from both sides—including a disallowed goal for offside against Santa Fe and a notable header by Vasco's Spinelli saved by goalkeeper Asprilla—neither team scored. The return leg will take place on September 15 at São Januário in Rio de Janeiro, with penalties deciding a tie if the aggregate score remains level.
In parallel Copa Sul-Americana action, São Paulo lost 1-0 to Boca Juniors in Buenos Aires and must win by two or more goals in the second leg to avoid penalties and advance to face the winner of Vasco-Santa Fe.
Meanwhile, Vasco has strengthened its squad by announcing the signing of Argentine midfielder Alan Lescano on a four-year deal until December 2029. The transfer, valued at about $7 million (R$ 36 million) plus performance bonuses, marks the club's fifth reinforcement this window. Lescano, 24, arrives from Argentinos Juniors where he was captain and featured in over 100 games. He expressed gratitude towards his former club and excitement about the new challenge. Vasco is also poised to finalize further signings, including defender Gabriel Pereira and potential acquisition of Tottenham's Richarlison, highlighting their intent to bolster the squad for continental and domestic competitions.
This article was translated and synthesized from Brazilian sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
