After losing to Nacional-URU at São Januario in their opening game of Group Five, the Cruz de Malta were keen to get off to a good start in their second home fixture, but found themselves trailing in the 17th minute.
Walter Ibanez’ long ball over the top was met by Jonathan Charquero, and the Uruguayan striker managed to keep his composure as he went one-on-one with Fernando Prass – placing the ball past the keeper to give Alianza the lead.
But three minutes later Vasco were back on level terms, after Christian Ramos accidently put the ball in to his own net from Fágner’s cross.
Life was made easier for Rio side in the 47th minute when Giancarlo Carmona recieved a straight red for handling the ball inside his own area, but Alecsandro’s failed to convert his penalty – having smashed his effort against the cross bar.
However on the hour mark, the highly-rated centre-back Dedé managed to double Vasco’s lead – heading in Fágner’s corner.
Seven minutes later, the referee awarded Vasco another penalty after Arroe hacked down Fágner inside the area – but once against Alecsandro failed to convert from the spot.
In the 80th minute Alianza realised it wasn’t their day when the referee pointed to the spot for a third time in favour of the Brazilian side, after Fernández pulled down Nilton in the area.
This time former Lyon playmaker Juninho Pernambucano took on the responsibility from twelve yards out and the experienced midfielder showed Alecsandro just how it’s done – burying his effort in to the keepers right-hand corner.
Ibánez managed to pull one back for Alianza five minutes from time, but the defender’s effort only proved to be nothing more than a consolation goal.
VASCO: Fernando Prass; Fágner, Dedé, Rodolfo (Douglas), Thiago Feltri; Eduardo Costa (Felipe), Nilton, Juninho, Diego Souza; William Barbio & Alecsandro.
ALIANZA LIMA: Libman; Carmona, Ibánez, Ramos, Corrales; Albarracín, González, Bazán (Vilamarin), Hurtado, Montaño (José Fernández); & Charquero (Arroe).
