Vasco da Gama made a statement in the 2026 Copa Sudamericana on Thursday night, storming to a commanding 3-0 victory over Olimpia at São Januário. The result not only secured their first win of the tournament but also catapulted them from the bottom of Group G to the very top.

Coming into the match in last place, Vasco needed a spark—and they found it in an unexpected hero. With Tchê Tchê ruled out due to fitness concerns, 18-year-old youth product Ramon Rique was handed his debut. The teenager delivered a performance brimming with confidence and composure, setting the tone for a night of resurgence.

Vasco seized control early, dictating the tempo and pressing with purpose. The breakthrough came in the 39th minute when Puma Rodríguez finished off a slick team move, sending the home crowd into a frenzy. The goal was a reward for their relentless pressure and sharp attacking intent.

The second half saw no let-up. Just six minutes after the restart, Nuno Moreira pounced on a rebound after Spinelli hit the post, doubling the lead and putting Vasco firmly in the driver's seat. Moreira, who had battled through injury and a difficult return to action, capped his stellar performance with a second goal in the 55th minute, latching onto a pass from Rojas to make it 3-0.

Olimpia struggled to find a foothold, though they did create chances late in the game as Vasco's intensity dipped following substitutions. A penalty was awarded to the visitors, only to be overturned by VAR. Goalkeeper Jardim was called into action twice, but Olimpia couldn't find a way past him.

Vasco's dominance was clear, particularly in the first hour, and the 3-0 victory lifted them to four points. With a positive goal difference of two, they now sit atop Group G. Audax Italiano and Olimpia are level on points but trail on goal difference. Only the group winner advances directly to the round of 16, making this win a crucial step in Vasco's campaign.

For fans of Vasco, this performance was a reminder of the club's fighting spirit—and a glimpse of the young talent ready to shine on the continental stage.