Copa do Brasil 🇧🇷: Late goal lifts Vasco over Flu, near the final

At Maracanã, Vasco defeated Fluminense 2-1 this Thursday (11th), in the first leg of the Copa do Brasil semifinals.The Tricolor das Laranjeiras was better in the first half and, because of that, took...

Copa do Brasil ����: Late goal lifts Vasco over Flu, near the final
Copa do Brasil 🇧🇷: Late goal lifts Vasco over Flu, near the final

At Maracanã, Vasco defeated Fluminense 2-1 this Thursday (11th), in the first leg of the Copa do Brasil semifinals.

The Tricolor das Laranjeiras was better in the first half and, because of that, took the lead on the scoreboard.

With quick and vertical passing exchanges, Luis Zubeldía’s team overwhelmed the Cruz-Maltino defense, which struggled to organize its marking.

Lucho Acosta threatened right at the start of the game, but after a set-piece play, with a cross from Renê into the box and a header from Thiago Silva, Kevin Serna finished to open the scoring.

The ball deflected off the defense and went into the corner, leaving Léo Jardim with no chance to make the save.

Vasco showed difficulties in the offensive sector and only threatened when Puma Rodríguez appeared in the box to chip the ball over Fábio, but Thiago Silva came in to cover and save Fluminense.

After the break, the team led by Fernando Diniz came back hungrier and quickly equalized.

Andrés Gómez crossed from the left, the Tricolor defense slipped in marking, and Rayan appeared unmarked to blast the ball in.

The Cruz-Maltino striker reached 5 goals and matched Kaio Jorge of Cruzeiro at the top of the Copa do Brasil scoring charts.

Improvised at left-back to cover for the injured Lucas Piton, Pumita Rodríguez became a major offensive weapon for Vasco. 

After being stopped by Fábio with a shot from a tight angle, the Uruguayan appeared free in the box to head the ball and hit the post.

In the last minute of stoppage time, after another cross from the left, Vegetti appeared to head the ball in and seal Vasco’s comeback in the derby.


🔥 Heated Atmosphere

In addition to the natural heat of Rio de Janeiro in December, the derby featured provocation and some moments of “regrettable scenes.”

Before the start of the match, a Vasco supporters’ group displayed a 3D mosaic with their mascot holding a shirt with the letter “C,” alluding to the year 1999, when their rival played in the third division of the Brazilian Championship.

And, with the ball rolling, there was no shortage of shoving and fierce disputes.



🚦 What’s Next

With the win, Vasco only needs a draw next Sunday (14th), again at Maracanã, to secure a spot in the Copa do Brasil finals. 

Fluminense, on the other hand, needs to win by two goals to qualify. If Tricolor wins by just one goal, the spot will be decided on penalties.

The finalist’s opponent will come from Corinthians vs Cruzeiro (first leg 1-0).

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.

Category: General Sports