On April 2, 2025, Vitória faced Universidad Católica-EQU in an electrifying match that kicked off the first round of the Copa Sul-Americana group stage. The contest took place at the Estádio Barradão in Salvador, Bahia, at 21h30 (Brasília time). Fans were eager to see how both teams would perform, especially with Vitória returning to international competition after nearly nine years.
Coming off a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Juventude in the Campeonato Brasileiro, Vitória was determined to turn their fortunes around. The team, coached by Thiago Carpini, featured a lineup that included Lucas Arcanjo in goal, supported by defenders Cáceres, Lucas Halter, Zé Marcos, and Hugo. In midfield, they had Ricardo Ryller, Baralhas, and Matheuzinho, while Gustavo Mosquito, Lucas Braga, and Janderson led the attack.
On the other side, Universidad Católica-EQU, coached by Diego Martínez, was looking to bounce back after having their unbeaten streak cut short in their last match. Their starting XI included John Lara in goal, with defenders Daykol Romero, Anangono, Cangá, and Medina. The midfield comprised Castillo, Cacciabue, and Moreno, while Mauro Díaz, Ismael Díaz, and Palacios were tasked with scoring.
The match was broadcast live on Paramount+ and Amazon Prime Video, allowing fans to experience the action in real-time. As the game commenced, both teams displayed their strategies, with Vitória holding 54% possession compared to Universidad Católica's 46% in the early stages.
As the first half progressed, both teams struggled to find the back of the net. Despite several attempts, including a notable effort from Gregori Anangonó for Universidad Católica that sailed over the bar, the score remained 0-0 at halftime. Johan Lara, the Universidad goalkeeper, made crucial saves, including a spectacular stop against a powerful shot from Vitória's Gustavo Silva.
After the break, the intensity ramped up. Vitória increased their offensive efforts, pushing hard against Universidad Católica’s defense. However, it was Universidad Católica that struck first. In a dramatic turn of events, Azarias Londoño scored in the 102nd minute, capitalizing on a defensive error from Vitória. His shot beat Lucas Arcanjo, sending the visiting fans into a frenzy as they celebrated a critical 1-0 lead.
Despite trailing, Vitória didn’t back down. They continued to press forward, creating opportunities and increasing their attacking volume. The home crowd rallied behind their team, urging them to find an equalizer. However, the clock was ticking, and Universidad Católica's defense held firm under pressure.
In the 72nd minute, Vitória made a concerted effort to break through, applying more pressure on the Universidad Católica backline. Lucas Braga and Janderson combined well, creating several chances, but they were thwarted by Lara's impressive goalkeeping.
As the match neared its conclusion, the tension in the stadium was palpable. Fans from both sides were on the edge of their seats, hoping for a last-minute thrill. With a flurry of attacks from Vitória, including a near miss that had the crowd gasping, it seemed like an equalizer might be on the horizon.
However, Universidad Católica remained resolute. They managed to maintain their lead, showcasing their defensive capabilities while also threatening on the counter-attack. The match ended with a 1-0 victory for Universidad Católica-EQU, marking a strong start to their Copa Sul-Americana campaign.
After the match, coach Thiago Carpini expressed his disappointment but also acknowledged the need for improvement. "We need to learn from our mistakes and focus on the upcoming matches," he stated. Meanwhile, Diego Martínez celebrated the victory, noting, "This win gives us confidence as we move forward in the tournament. We showed resilience today against a tough opponent."
Looking ahead, Vitória will next face Flamengo in the Campeonato Brasileiro on April 6, 2025, at 18h30. They will then return to the Copa Sul-Americana to face Defensa y Justicia in Argentina. Meanwhile, Universidad Católica aims to build on their success as they continue their campaign.
As both teams reflect on this match, the excitement of the Copa Sul-Americana continues, with many more thrilling encounters to come in the tournament.
