Audax Italiano 1-2 Vasco da Gama Saf – RJ: Cruz-Maltino Claim Vital Away Victory in Copa Sudamericana Opener

Vasco da Gama Saf – RJ began their 2026 CONMEBOL Copa Sudamericana campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Audax Italiano at the Estadio Municipal de La Florida in Santiago, Chile, on May 7. The Brazilian side showed composure under pressure, bouncing back from an early deficit to secure three crucial points in Group D.

First Half: Audax Strike Early, Vasco Respond

The home side stunned Vasco inside the opening 15 minutes when Audax Italiano capitalized on a defensive lapse. A quick counter-attack caught the Vasco backline off guard, allowing the Chilean forward to slot home past goalkeeper Léo Jardim. The early goal energized the hosts, but Vasco quickly regrouped under pressure from manager Fábio Carille.

Vasco's response came midway through the first half. After sustained pressure, a well-worked corner found its way to Dimitri Payet, whose cross was headed home by central defender Léo to level the score at 1-1. The equalizer visibly shifted momentum, and Vasco controlled much of the remaining first 45 minutes.

Second Half: Payet Delivers the Decisive Moment

The second half followed a similar pattern, with Vasco dictating possession while Audax relied on quick transitions. The breakthrough arrived in the 67th minute when Payet, the French playmaker, delivered a sublime free-kick from the edge of the box that curled over the wall and into the top corner. The goal, his first for Vasco in continental competition, proved decisive as Audax could not find a second equalizer despite late pressure.

Key Factors in Vasco's Win

• Set-piece efficiency: Both Vasco goals came from dead-ball situations, highlighting a clear tactical edge.
• Defensive resilience: After the early setback, Vasco's backline, marshaled by Maicon and Léo, limited Audax to just three shots on target.
• Payet's influence: The former Marseille star completed 89% of his passes and created four chances in addition to his goal.

Group D Implications

The win puts Vasco da Gama in a strong early position in the group stage. Audax Italiano, meanwhile, will rue their inability to hold onto the lead as they now face an uphill battle to advance. For the Brazilian side, the result builds confidence ahead of a demanding schedule in both the Copa Sudamericana and the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A.

With the return leg in Rio de Janeiro still to come, Audax Italiano will need to find greater consistency if they hope to challenge for a knockout-round spot. Vasco, on the other hand, have laid down an early marker of their ambitions in the competition.