# Vasco da Gama and Boca Juniors Copa Sudamericana series

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/vasco-da-gama-and-boca-juniors-copa-sudamericana-series
> Updated: 2026-10-21T03:16:47.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2.

The competitive series between Vasco da Gama and Boca Juniors involved significant tension and sporting consequences. Following a 1-0 victory for Vasco da Gama at La Bombonera, Vasco captain Thiago Mendes faced backlash from Argentine fans for sharing an AI-generated image depicting him splitting a Boca Juniors shield. Mendes subsequently deleted the post and issued an apology, stating, “At no time did I have the intention of disrespecting [Boca Juniors], their history, or their fans.”

The series concluded with Boca Juniors defeating Vasco da Gama 3-1 in the Copa Sudamericana semifinals at the Maracanã. The loss eliminated Vasco from the competition and occurred amid the club’s domestic struggles, including a reported 11% risk of relegation in the Campeonato Brasileiro.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-21: Vasco player Thiago Mendes apologizes after Copa Sudamericana exit

Vasco da Gama captain Thiago Mendes apologized to supporters after the team was eliminated from the Copa Sudamericana by Boca Juniors.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vasco-player-thiago-mendes-apologizes-after-copa-sudamericana-exit

### 2026-10-13: Thiago Mendes apologizes for controversial post against Boca Juniors

Vasco da Gama captain Thiago Mendes apologized after posting an AI-generated image depicting the destruction of the Boca Juniors shield following his team's victory in Buenos Aires.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/thiago-mendes-apologizes-for-controversial-post-against-boca-juniors

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Cite as: Vasco da Gama and Boca Juniors Copa Sudamericana series. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/vasco-da-gama-and-boca-juniors-copa-sudamericana-series