Vasco da Gama was held to a 1-1 draw by Operário Ferroviário PR in the first leg of their Brazilian Cup tie on May 21, 2025. The result leaves the round of 16 matchup finely poised ahead of the return leg. Vasco, playing at home, took the lead in the first half through a powerful strike from outside the box. However, Operário showed great resilience and equalized against the run of play in the second half with a well-taken header from a corner. Vasco pushed for a winner in the closing stages but found the Operário defense organized and difficult to break down. The away goal gives Operário a slight advantage heading back to Paraná for the second leg. The Vasco manager expressed disappointment at not winning at home, while the Operário coach was delighted with his team's character and the valuable result.