Vasco da Gama vs Olimpia Asuncion prediction 30.04.2026 | Copa Sudamericana

Vasco da Gama have another Serie A mid-table season. They are far from the best teams in Brazil, and a spot in the Copa Sudamericana is probably the only thing they can hope for. Vasco da Gama struggled recently with only two victories in the last eight matches across all competitions. In the previous game, they lost 1-0 on the road against Corinthians. The guests ended the game with 60% ball possession and eight shots on goal more than the opponent, but their inefficiency cost them points. 

Vasco da Gama didn't impress in the Copa Sudamericana this season. In the opening two rounds, they collected only one point and will feel a sense of urgency on Thursday against Olimpia Asuncion. 

Although Vasco da Gama's head coach, Renato Gaucho, was appointed almost two months ago. He led the team to just five victories in 12 matches across all competitions, and the fans are growing increasingly critical of him. There are no indications that the board will sack Gaucho, but if things don't change, it will not be surprising if Vasco da Gama looks for a different solution. 

Vasco's Thiago Mendes and Cuiabano suffered injuries in the game against Corinthians, and it is still unknown whether they will play in the upcoming Copa Sudamericana clash. Mendes and Cuiabano could join already sidelined Mateus Carvalho and Jair. 

After a terrible last season for their standards, Olimpia Asuncion returned to their usual level. In the domestic league, they are at the top of the standings, with five points ahead of the next team. Olimpia Asuncion were recently on a run of four games without a defeat. The positive streak ended last weekend, when Pablo Sanchez's team lost 3-2 on the road against Libertad Asuncion. Olimpia Asuncion didn't play well in that game and will have to do much better to avoid defeat on Thursday in Rio de Janeiro.

Olimpia's head coach, Pablo Sanchez, was very disappointed with the first half of their most recent outing. He said, "I understand that today we played a very bad first half; probably the worst 45 minutes since we started both competitions, and it cost us dearly. Many times you can play a bad first half and get off easy, and we went into halftime with a 2-0 deficit, which in some ways was fair, considering what the opponent had done and all the mistakes we made."

Olimpia played well in the Copa Sudamericana this season. They are at the top of the group with four points in two matches. However, the group winner will secure a 1/8 final, so Olimpia still needs a few good results to secure the desired position.