Audax Italiano achieved a landmark victory in Brazil, defeating Vasco da Gama 2-1 at the São Januário stadium in Rio de Janeiro. The win provides the Chilean side with its first three points in the Copa Sudamericana group stage.
The match, part of the second round of Group G, was defined by significant disciplinary shifts and a late comeback. According to reports from La Tercera, the Chilean club managed to overcome an early deficit to secure what is being described as a historic triumph on Brazilian soil.
Disciplinary issues heavily influenced the match's progression. BioBioChile reported that the tension began early, noting that Audax players requested a red card for Vasco's Joao Pedro following a heavy tackle in the 14th minute, though the referee only issued a yellow card after a VAR review.
Later, in the 35th minute, the situation escalated when Joao Pedro received a second yellow card and was sent off, according to both La Tercera and BioBioChile. This left the Brazilian hosts with ten players for much of the contest.
Despite the numerical advantage, Vasco da Gama took the lead late in the first half. La Tercera noted that in the third minute of stoppage time, Brenner finished a play initiated by Claudio Spinelli to make it 1-0.
Audax Italiano responded with increased pressure in the second half. A discrepancy exists between sources regarding the equalizer: La Tercera credits the goal to a header by Michael Fuentes following a cross from Franco Troyansky at the 62nd minute. However, BioBioChile reported the goal was scored by Michael Vadulli via a 'palomita' header from the same Troyansky assist.
The match's decisive moment arrived in the 84th minute when Carlos Cuesta committed a foul on Troyansky inside the box. After a VAR check, the referee, Hernán Hercept, confirmed a penalty and a second red card for the Vasco defender, leaving the home side with only nine players, as reported by La Tercera.
A dramatic finish in Rio
Franco Troyansky took responsibility for the penalty, converting the shot to finalize the 2-1 scoreline. The victory marks a significant turnaround for the Chilean side, which previously lost 0-2 to Olimpia in their opening match, according to BioBioChile.
With the win, Audax Italiano has moved to three points in the tournament, while Vasco da Gama remains at just one point in Group G. The Chilean side now shifts its focus to an upcoming away match against Barracas Central.
While the match was physically intense, Audax managed to control the final minutes despite the heavy pressure from the Brazilian side. La Tercera described the win as a result that will remain etched in the history of the La Florida-based club.
