São Januário lived through another dramatic night this Tuesday (20) for the Copa do Brasil.
This time the final was happy for Vasco, who qualified for the round of 16 after a penalty shootout.
Operário-PR took the duel to the maximum penalty mark with a goal in the second half’s extra time.
But Vasco was more efficient in the shots and won the spot in the round of 16 of the competition.
Léo Jardim became the hero of the night by defending three shots in the penalty shootout.
See below the decisive play of the game:
Vasco opened the scoring in the final stretch of the first half, with Rayan.
The 18-year-old boy carried the ball into the penalty area and finished with force, but counted on the goalkeeper’s mistake, who saw the ball pass under his own legs.
Operário had posed a small threat to the home team throughout the initial stage.
But after the interval, the Paraná team began to appear more in the attacking field, betting especially on the aerial game.
And that’s how the equalizing goal came. Cristiano lifted the ball into the area and Ademilson headed it into the net.
The tie at São Januário led to the decision going to penalties.
After mistakes by João Victor and Paulo Henrique for Vasco, Operário came to have in their feet the shot that would give the spot to the Paraná team.
But Thales stopped at Léo Jardim, who defended three shots in total and became the hero of the match.
Penalty shootouts in the Copa do Brasil have been bringing good memories for the Vasco fans.
In 2024, Vasco had to go through them three times (against Água Santa, Fortaleza, and Athletico-PR) and advanced in all.
📸 Lucas Figueiredo – 2025 Getty Images
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