Wednesday evening's game was effectively settled within just 23 minutes, as Cruzeiro raced into a 3-0 lead through goals from Leo, Thiago Neves and Sassa, reports EFE news agency.
With Vasco needing to pour forward in the second half in an attempt to mount a comeback, they would leave themselves vulnerable to Cruzeiro counterattacks.
Sassa duly sealed Vasco's fate when he broke away to score early in the second half.
Cruzeiro tops Group E with 8 points, level with Racing Club, although the Brazilian team have a better goal difference.
Cruzeiro and Racing Club will vie for the leadership of Group E as well as their place in the quarterfinals on May 22.
(This story has not been edited by Social News XYZ staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
