Vasco vs Olimpia – News and Probable Lineups

On Thursday, Vasco da Gama will face Olimpia in the third round of the Copa Sudamericana group stage. This matchup could be crucial for determining the standings in Group G, as both teams are eager to secure points.

For Vasco, this is a chance to turn their season around and gain some momentum in their quest for qualification. Olimpia, on the other hand, seeks to strengthen their position in what is anticipated to be a charged evening at Sao Januario.

Match overview

Currently, Vasco sits at the bottom of Group G, having earned just one point from two games. They commenced their campaign with a scoreless draw against Barracas Central, followed by a 2–1 defeat at home against Audax Italiano after initially taking the lead. A victory in this match could potentially elevate Vasco to second place, contingent upon the results of the other group fixture between Audax and Barracas.

If one of those teams secures a win, they will emerge as group leaders. Should Vasco defeat Olimpia, they will acquire four points—possibly tying with a competitor, leading to goal difference becoming a factor.

Vasco’s recent performances in the Brasileiro warrant attention. They are currently positioned 10th, with 16 points from 13 matches. Recently, they faced a defeat to Corinthians in what was deemed a favorable matchup.

Before that loss, they triumphed over Paysandu 2–0 in the Copa do Brasil and edged past Sao Paulo with a 2–1 victory. Their league goal difference stands at -1, having scored 18 goals and conceded 19.

The disparity in Vasco’s performances between home and away games is notable. At Sao Januario, they have claimed four victories in seven league matches this year, netting 11 goals. Conversely, they have yet to win in six away matches, with a goal difference of -3 and a meager win rate of just 16.6%.

In contrast, Olimpia leads the group with four points, having started with a 2–0 win against Audax Italiano, thanks to goals from Ruben Lezcano and J Alfaro, followed by a 0–0 draw against Barracas Central at the Estadio Defensores del Chaco.

Olimpia’s recent form is impressive, remaining unbeaten in 18 of their last 20 matches, which significantly raises the stakes for Vasco.

In the Paraguayan championship, Pablo Sanchez’s squad is at the top of the table with 39 points from 17 games, holding a five-point lead over Cerro Porteno.

Their record consists of 12 victories, three draws, and only two losses, with a goal difference of +16 (28 goals scored and 12 conceded).

Team News

Vasco may be missing several crucial players. Midfielder Thiago Mendes has sustained an ankle injury due to a rough tackle against Corinthians, while Cuiabano is dealing with a muscular issue. Both may be sidelined for this vital match as Vasco aims to avoid the bottom position in the group.

Additionally, Vasco will be without a pivotal figure on the sideline. Head coach Renato Portaluppi has been suspended by CONMEBOL and cannot be present on the touchline due to not attending the opening Sudamericana match against Barracas Central.

Assistant Marcelo Salles will manage the team during the match, while Bruno Lazaroni is expected to appear on the match sheet as head coach for administrative reasons.

Olimpia, however, reports no absences—an unwelcoming development for Vasco, who will contend with a fully fit and well-prepared opponent. The Paraguayan team arrives with five days of preparation time, unlike Vasco’s four.

Vasco da Gama probable starting XI:

Garden; Rodriguez, Saldivia, Renan, Piton; Barros, Tche Tche; Johan, Gomez; Adson, Spinelli

Olimpia probable starting XI:

Oliveira; Caceres, Vargas, Bentaberry, Gamarra; Ortiz; Delmas, Sanchez, Alfaro, Leguizamon; Alcaraz

Vasco has significant motivation to strive for a victory at Sao Januario. The team feels the pressure to enhance their group standing, suggesting a performance at peak intensity.

Defensively, a more formidable Vasco is anticipated—one that chooses strategic moments to dictate play rather than unnecessarily exposing themselves. The forecast points to a close encounter, likely resulting in a narrow victory for the home side, perhaps with just a single goal.