Cruz-Maltino has already conquered America three times, but has not yet won the Copa Sudamericano, which began in 2002
By finishing tenth in the Brasileirão, Vasco secured the 2025 Copa Sudamericana, a competition they have not participated in since 2020. And which, in fact, Cruz-Maltino have never won in 23 editions (they have competed seven times).
It is therefore one of the few trophies missing from Vasco’s vast palmares, made up of three South American titles. The Cruz de Malta club made history by becoming the first continental world champion by winning the South American Club Championship in 1948, the year of its fiftieth anniversary. The tournament is considered by Conmebol itself as the precursor to the Libertadores.
50 years later, on the day of its centenary, Vasco returns to being South American champion. They beat Barcelona de Guayaquil (EQU) 4-1 (aggregated) and won the Libertadores for the first time, in 1998. On that occasion, the team eliminated the three previous champions in the knockout stage. Cruzeiro (champion of 97, in the round of 16); Grêmio (champion of 95, in the quarterfinals) and River Plate (champion of 96, in the semifinals), in one of the most emblematic Brazilian campaigns of the competition.
Two years later, Vasco won the extinct Copa Mercosul, in 2000. It was the penultimate edition of the tournament, against Palmeiras, in an epic final at the Palestra Itália (former Verdão stadium). After losing 3-0 at half-time, Gigante da Colina – who had a national team on the pitch – turned the tables 4-3, becoming three-time South American champions in the famous “Millennium Turn”.
But what about Vasco’s history in South America?
The Copa Sudamericana was established in 2002, but it does not exactly replace Mercosur: they are different competitions. Although there were 11 Brazilian finalists, only four Brazilians won the “Sula”, as it is nicknamed. Atletico (in 2018 and 2021), Sao Paulo (in 2012), Chapecoense (in 2016) and Inter (in 2008). Fluminense, Flamengo, Cruzeiro, Fortaleza, Goiás, Ponte Preta and Red Bull Bragantino hit the post and finished second.
Vasco will therefore participate in the competition for the eighth time. He competed in 2003, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2011, 2018 and 2020. His best appearance was in 2011, when he finished third, eliminated in the semifinals by eventual champion Universidad de Chile (CHL). To get there, they advanced in epic fashion through Palmeiras, Aurora (BOL) and Universitario (PER), with 8-3 and 5-2 defeats along the way.
Since then, the best participation was the last one, in 2020, when he reached the round of 16. On that occasion they lost 2-1 (on aggregate) against Defensa y Justicia (ARG), coached at the time by Hernán Crespo, and who won the tournament in an unprecedented way.
And in 2025?
Vasco will then return to the South American Championship in 2025, where they will start from the group stage, as will all the other Brazilians classified via the Brasileirão. The draw will only take place on March 19th, while the matches in brackets will begin on April 4th.
Worth remembering is Vasco’s participation in the South American Championship
- 2003 – eliminated in the group stage
- 2006 – eliminated in the preliminary round by Corinthians
- 2007 – eliminated in the quarterfinals by América (MEX)
- 2008 – eliminated in the first phase by Palmeiras
- 2011 – eliminated in the semifinals by Universidad de Chile (CHL)
- 2018 – eliminated in the second stage by LDU (EQU)
- 2020 – eliminated in the round of 16 by Defensa y Justicia (ARG)
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Source: Terra
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
