Universidad De Chile Vs. Vasco Da Gama, 2011 Copa Sudamericana Semifinals: La U Through To Final

Despite the fact that Vasco da Gama can still win the Brasileirao with a win at the weekend if the chips fall their way, the Brazilian side still decided to field a first choice team against Universidad de Chile in Santiago on Wednesday night. Their decision ultimately proved to be a poor one, as La U completely out-classed Vasco, winning 2-0 on the night and 3-1 on aggregate to advance to the Copa Sudamericana Final.

After La U pulled off a 1-1 draw in Brazil and Corinthians won in Brazil at the weekend, it seemed like Vasco might concede defeat in the Sudamericana and go all-out for the Brasileirao. Instead, all of the big guns came out on Wednesday night. Dede, Juninho and Diego Souza all started the match, but La U were a different class, winning the possession battle and creating more chances than their opponents.

Gustavo Canales scored the opener in the 30th minute. Following a long build-up, Charles Aranguiz found himself with a shooting opportunity in the box and hit a hard, low shot right at Fernando from 15 yards out. Fernando did well to parry the shot away from goal, but it fell to Canales. While Fernando did well yet again to get up from the previous save to cover his near post, Canales hit a perfect finish into the roof of the net, giving his team a 1-0 lead.

Vasco defender Fagner was shown red in the 70th minute, and La U ended the tie shortly afterwards. Chilean international Eduardo Vargas, a rumored transfer target for nearly every big club in Europa, scored the clinching goal in the 72nd minute, assisted by Eugenio Mena.