Independiente del Valle secured their spot in the Round of 16 of the Copa Sudamericana after drawing 1-1 with Vasco da Gama at the São Januário stadium in Rio de Janeiro. Thanks to their dominant 4-0 win in the first leg in Quito, the Ecuadorian side advanced with a convincing 5-1 aggregate score.

Led by Spanish coach Javier Rabanal, the visitors didn't need to take many risks in Brazil. With the comfortable lead from the first leg, they managed the game well and neutralized a Vasco side desperate to turn things around.

Independiente knocks out Vasco and now sets sights on Mushuc Runa

Argentine striker Claudio Spinelli once again played a key role for the Ecuadorian team. In the 37th minute, he capitalized on a defensive lapse to head in the opening goal, silencing the home crowd. The response from the hosts came in the second half when their top scorer, fellow Argentine Pablo Vegetti, leveled the match in the 66th minute with a powerful header.

Despite his goal, Vegetti’s effort was merely a consolation prize for his relentless work up front, as he struggled to break through the solid Independiente defense, commanded by a reliable Guido Villar, who was sharp whenever called into action.

Vasco da Gama, in urgent need of goals, pushed forward persistently but lacked the precision and depth required to break down their opponent. Independiente, aware that a draw was enough, gave up attacking control to focus on preserving the result. Even when Spinelli threatened with a second goal, goalkeeper Léo Jardim stepped up with a solid save to deny him.

With the tie, Independiente del Valle not only moved into the next round but also reaffirmed their strong form in the continental tournament. Their next challenge will be a domestic clash against fellow Ecuadorian side Mushuc Runa, one of the revelations of the Copa Sudamericana after finishing unbeaten in Group E.

The upcoming matchup promises to be a thrilling encounter, as Independiente’s international experience will be tested against the ambition of a Mushuc Runa team determined to keep making history.