Vasco player Thiago Mendes apologizes after Copa Sudamericana exit

Vasco da Gama midfielder Thiago Mendes has issued an apology to fans following the club's 3-1 defeat against Boca Juniors in the Copa Sudamericana semifinals. The loss, played before 66,000 spectators at the Maracanã, eliminated Vasco from the competition.

Mendes, who served as captain during the match, noted that an early goal conceded in the fourth minute disrupted the team's concentration. Despite a second-half comeback attempt, a late error by goalkeeper Léo Jardim secured the victory for the Argentine side.

The defeat comes at a critical time for the Rio de Janeiro club, which is currently facing an 11% risk of relegation in the Campeonato Brasileiro. Vasco's next domestic match is against Corinthians, while the team remains in contention for the Copa do Brasil, with upcoming fixtures against Palmeiras scheduled for early November.