Vasco da Gama and São Paulo face each other this Sunday, November 2, 2025, at 8:30 pm, at the São Januário Stadium, in Rio de Janeiro, for the 31st round of the Brasileirão Betano. Both teams are looking for points to improve their positions in the table, with Vasco in eighth place with 42 points and São Paulo in ninth with 41. The clash takes place at a crucial moment in the competition, where a victory could change the balance in the fight for places in the Libertadores.
Field control favors the Rio team, which needs to add strength to distance itself from the intermediate zone. São Paulo, in turn, enters the field with the aim of touching their rival and putting pressure on the teams ahead. The match is refereed by Wilton Pereira Sampaio, known for his average rigidity of 5.09 cards per game.
Factors such as injuries and suspensions influence coaches’ strategies. The weather in Rio de Janeiro predicts cloudy weather with the possibility of isolated rain in the afternoon, temperatures between 22°C and 28°C and moderate southeast winds.
- Vasco’s main absences: Adson (injured) and Jair (out).
- Absences in São Paulo: Luciano (suspended), Jonathan Calleri and Rafael Tolói (injured).
Probable formations on the field
The Vasco team should adopt a 4-2-3-1 formation, focusing on quick transitions through the middle. Léo Jardim guards the goal, while the defense has Paulo Henrique on the right flank. Germán Cano Cuesta and Robert Renan form the central duo, and Lucas Piton closes on the left. In the middle, Payet Barros and Tchê Tchê control the pace, with Philippe Coutinho crgoing plays. Andrés Gómez and Nuno Moreira support the attack, led by Pablo Vegetti.
São Paulo opts for a more offensive 3-4-1-2, prioritizing the wings. Rafael takes over the goal, with Nestor Ferraresi, Robert Arboleda and Alan Franco in the back three. Maílton and Enzo Díaz open on the sides, with Marcos Antônio and Pablo Maia in contention. Luciano Bobadilla floats behind strikers Lucas Moura and Gonzalo Tapia.
These formations reflect recent adjustments by coaches. Fernando Diniz, from São Paulo, emphasizes possession of the ball, while Hernán Crespo, from Vasco, bets on efficient counterattacks.
History of balanced duels
The clashes between Vasco and São Paulo have been balanced over the decades. In total, São Paulo has a slight advantage, with 15 wins in 28 home games, against Vasco’s 6 victories and 7 draws. Goleas punctuate the retrospective, like the 4-0 for Tricolor in 2015.
In the current season, the teams met once, with a close result. The 1989 classic, the final of the Brasileirão, remains a landmark, decided in a single game.
Vasco has won three of the last five overall matches, showing a recent favorable trend at home.
Recent team performance
Vasco is on a positive streak in the competition. The last five games include two consecutive wins, one draw and two previous defeats.
São Paulo has mixed results. The team from São Paulo has one victory, two draws and two defeats in the most recent duels.
Focus and artillery players
Pablo Vegetti stands out for Vasco, with 14 goals in the season and a rating of 7.1 in his last match. The Argentine leads the cross-Maltina artillery and fights for chances created.
In São Paulo, Luciano Bobadilla appears as a key player, with 52% accuracy in tackles and 53 in creation. Lucas Moura contributes with decisive assists.
Other names in evidence include Philippe Coutinho, for Vasco, and Gonzalo Tapia, for Tricolor, both with an impact on set pieces.
Broadcast and stadium access
The match is broadcast live on Record, on open TV, and on Premiere, on pay-per-view. Online options include CazéTV’s YouTube and the ge.globo app for real-time scores.
Tickets for São Januário sold out quickly, with areas such as the grandstand costing R$100. Fans report online resale on secure platforms.
Arbitration and condexternal tions
Wilton Pereira Sampaio referees the game, with an average of 0.24 penalties per match. Assistants include Bruno Pires and Pedro Ramires, under VAR by Rodrigo D’Alonso.
Forecast indicates high humidity, which could affect the lawn. Teams train with damp balls to adapt.
