For the second time in this year's Copa do Brasil, El Paraense find themselves in a must-win situation going into the decisive second leg.

Martin Varini's men looked set for a comfortable victory before some late defensive problems changed the complexion of the game.

The good news is that they have a 100% home record in this competition, having not conceded a goal in either of the two meetings, although they have lost their last two games at the Arena de Baixada in all competitions.

Counting this season, Athletico have failed to win the opening leg of a quarter-final in this competition on three successive occasions, losing to Flamengo in the last eight in 2022 and 2023.

It is almost three years since they won a quarter-final match in this competition, beating Santos 1-0 on two occasions in 2021.

Furacao are unbeaten in their last 13 home games in all competitions against Vasco, having beaten them 1-0 in the Brasileiro Serie A at the Arena de Baixada earlier this year.

Down but not out is the story of this resilient Vasco da Gama side, who came to life in the nick of time in the opening game of this tie.

The Rio club have now avoided conceding an opening goal in five consecutive games in all competitions.

Rafael Paiva's men have made a habit of coming back after the break, scoring their last eight goals in all competitions in the final 45 minutes.

Vasco go into the game on an eight-match unbeaten run in all competitions, having won their last three encounters by a single goal.

They have not progressed beyond the quarter-finals since the 2011 campaign, when they lifted the trophy for the first and only time.

Cruzmaltino have won their last two meetings with Athletico in all competitions, but have not beaten them on the road since a 4-2 triumph at the Ligga Arena in the 2007 Copa Sudamericana.

Athletico Paranaense possible starting lineup:

Linck; Rocha, Heleno, Esquivel; Erick, Gabriel; Nikao, Christian, Felipinho, Canobbio; Mastriani

Vasco da Gama possible starting lineup:

Jardim; J. Rodriguez, Lyncon, Maicon, Piton; Moura, Carvalho; Coutinho, Payet, E. Rodriguez; Vegetti

Prediction:Athletico Paranaense 1-1 Vasco da Gama (Vasco da Gama advance 3-2 on aggregate)

Athletico Paranaense VS Vasco da Gama stream and TV listing

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