Chilean referee Piero Maza became the central figure of the Copa Sudamericana semifinal first leg on October 13, 2026, after a series of controversial decisions during Boca Juniors’ 0-1 defeat to Vasco da Gama at La Bombonera, BioBioChile reported.
Controversial Non-Call Ignites Early Debate
The match was marred by high-stakes officiating controversies almost immediately. In the ninth minute of play, Boca midfielder Milton Delgado planted a dangerous studs-first challenge on the ankle of Vasco da Gama player Andrés Gómez, Cooperativa reported. Despite the high velocity and clear risk of injury, Maza issued only a yellow card, choosing against a VAR review.
¡INSÓLITA EXPULSIÓN DE GÓMEZ!El jugador de Vasco da Gama vio la doble amarilla por empujar a Piero Maza. Boca tiene un jugador más en la Bombonera.CONMEBOL #SudamericanaEnDSPORTS #Sudamericana pic.twitter.com/mPfiKLJ90R
The decision drew swift backlash across social media platforms. Fans and analysts scrutinized the leniency shown toward the home side, pointing out that Boca featured starters Williams Alarcón and Carlos Palacios, as ADN Radio noted.
Escalation and Red Card Drama in the Second Half
The tension boiled over in the 64th minute. After Adson had broken the deadlock for the visitors in the 26th minute by anticipating the xeneize backline to head past Álvaro Montero, Maza took center stage again. Carlos Andrés Gómez attempted to obstruct a restart by midfielder Fernando Zuqui or Cristian Ascacibar, leading to a confrontation where the Colombian winger pushed the Chilean official multiple times while protesting an initial yellow card, according to RedGol and Radio La Señal.
Maza immediately brandished a second yellow card, converting it to a red and sending Gómez off. Teammates had to intervene to escort the visibly frustrated player off the pitch as arguments persisted.
Tactical Fallout and the Return Leg Uncertainties
Even with a numerical advantage following the dismissal, Jorge Almirón or the Boca tactical setup failed to break down the Brazilian low-block, relying heavily on predictable crosses into the box. Enner Valencia nearly equalized in the dying moments, but a Vasco central defender made a crucial goal-line intervention.
PIERO MAZA APITOU TRÊS JOGOS DO BOCA NA BOMBONERA NESSA SUL-AMERICANA! 👀 Boca Juniors x Recoleta – OitavasBoca Juniors x São Paulo – QuartasBoca Juniors x Vasco – Semi #FBR #SulAmericana pic.twitter.com/PqJUeiK8aZ
The return leg is scheduled for October 20, 2026, in Rio de Janeiro. However, logistical hurdles remain regarding whether Vasco da Gama can host the fixture at the Maracanã stadium due to scheduling conflicts raised by Flamengo and Fluminense.
| Match Detail | Team A | Team B |
|---|---|---|
| Fixture | Boca Juniors | Vasco da Gama |
| Competition | ||
| Venue | ||
| Result | 0 | 1 |
| Goalscorers | – | Adson (26′) |
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