Vasco da Gama edged past Independiente Medellín 1-0 in the Sudamericana playoff round, a result that moves them into the next stage. The Brazilian side controlled the match from start to finish but only found the net late on.
The decisive moment came in the 85th minute when Thiago Mendes converted Paulo Henrique's assist to make it 1-0. Vasco had dominated possession and created several chances throughout, but Medellín's defence held firm until that late breakthrough.
The stats underline Vasco's superiority: 60% possession, 13 shots to 7, and 4 shots on target to Medellín's 0. Goalkeeper saves (3 for Medellín) kept the scoreline respectable, but Thiago Mendes' goal was the only one that mattered.
