Nuno Moreira and Boschilia score the goals in the draw between Vasco and Operário in Ponta Grossa.
Vasco drew with Operário-PR 1-1 this Thursday, in the first leg of the third phase of the Copa do Brasil, at the Germano Kruger Stadium, in Ponta Grossa (PR). Cruz-maltino opened the scoring in the first half, with Nuno Moreira. Operário tied the game in the second half, with Boschilia. The return match between the teams will be on May 20, at São Januário. The winner will advance to the Copa do Brasil. A new draw will lead to a penalty shootout.
The match began with both teams alternating possession. The first chance came only in the 11th minute. Rayan was released and shot, but Elias made a good save.
The duel continued evenly, with many mistakes by both teams. However, in the 19th minute, Vasco opened the scoring. Nuno Moreira took advantage of a cut by the Paraná defense and hit a beautiful shot from outside the area, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance.
Operário was forced to advance after the setback. The home team even had a penalty awarded by the referee on the field, but it was disallowed after VAR called Daronco to review the play. Then, Jacy had a chance to equalize after a corner kick, but he missed the shot.
In the final minutes, the game became more exciting. First, Vasco scared with a shot from Rayan. Operário responded immediately with a shot from Gabriel Feliciano. The full-back kicked across goal and Allano was unable to get there in time to score. Thus, the team from Rio maintained the advantage until half-time.
In the second half, Operário tried to apply pressure, but Vasco managed to control possession. With that, the match continued without any dangerous moves. The home team created the first chance in the 17th minute. Daniel Amorim received a pass in the area and shot, but Léo Jardim saved it.
From then on, the team from Paraná started to have more possession of the ball. Operário tied the game in the 26th minute. Boschilia exchanged passes with Marcos Paulo and hit a well-placed shot, leaving Vasco’s goalkeeper with no chance.
The goal encouraged Operário, who continued with their offensive stance. Vasco regained possession of the ball and threatened in the 39th minute, with a shot by Lóide Augusto.
In the final minutes, the game remained the same. With that, the duel remained even in Ponta Grossa.
