Copa Sudamericana wrap: Universidad, Vasco play out stalemate
24 noviembre 2011 04:18
Universidad de Chile secured a 1-1 draw away to Vasco da Gama in their Copa Sudamericana semi-final first leg on Wednesday.
Hosts Vasco played some good football but were more than matched by their opposition from Chile at Estadio Sao Januario.
Both teams had chances to take the lead in an open first half.
Universidad forward Eduardo Vargas was in bullish form but failed to make the most of several first-half opportunities.
Elton rattled the bar for Vasco in the 29th minute.
And Universidad should have heeded the warning, with Vasco going ahead just three minutes later.
A pass from midfielder Allan received a fortunate deflection, with the ball met in the box by Bernardo.
The striker controlled it with his chest before lashing a volley into the bottom corner of the net for his fourth goal of the tournament.
Universidad came out after the break in search of an equaliser.
Matias Rodriguez and Vargas both forced saves from Vasco goalkeeper Fernando Prass during the first 20 minutes of the second half, but they were initially unsuccessful in their attempts to level the contest.
The visitors were eventually rewarded with a breakthrough in the 79th minute, when Osvaldo Gonzalez headed home from Marcelo Diaz's free kick.
The away goal means Universidad enjoy a stronger position going into the second leg in Santiago on December 1.
Universidad also hold a psychological advantage over their opponents, as Vasco have lost all three matches they have played away from home in the competition this season.
