Vasco and Fluminense face each other this Thursday, December 11, 2025, at 8pm, Brasília local time, at Estádio of Maracanã, at Rio of The clash brings together two rivals from Rio looking for a place in the final, with the winner advancing to compete for the title against the team classified between Corinthians and Cruzeiro. The teams arrive at different times, but promise a balanced duel due to the importance of the competition.
Vasco plays as home team and needs to reverse a sequence of seven defeats in the last eight games of Brasileirão, including a 5-0 defeat by Atlético-MG. Fluminense, on the other hand, has seven matches without losing, with five wins, and secured a place in the Libertadores 2026 after fifth place in the national championship.
The match marks the 338th official clash between the teams, with a balanced record of 123 wins for Vasco, 113 for Fluminense and 101 draws.
- Recent history in 2025: two wins for Fluminense and one for Vasco.
- Referee: Raphael Claus, with an average of 0.13 yellow cards per game.
- Maracanã capacity: around 78 thousand fans, with tickets sold out for the classic.
Initial formations announced
The lineups were confirmed around an hour before kick-off, with coaches Fernando Diniz and Luis Zubeldía opting for 4-2-3-1 formations to balance defense and attack.
In Vasco, Léo Jardim defends the goal, with Paulo Henrique, Carlos Cuesta, Robert Renan and Puma Rodríguez in the defensive line. The midfield has Thiago Mendes, Cauan Barros and Philippe Coutinho, while Nuno Moreira, Andrés Gómez and Rayan form the offensive sector.
The Fluminense responds with Fábio on target, followed by Samuel Xavier, Thiago Silva, Juan Freytes and Renê behind. Martinelli and Nonato organize the middle, with Lucho Acosta in creation, and Yeferson Soteldo,
Embezzlements that influence the game
Vasco loses Lucas Piton due to a knee injury, which forces Puma Rodríguez on the left flank. Jair and Adson are also out, limiting options on the bench.
Fluminense does not have Agustín Canobbio, suspended due to an accumulation of yellow cards. Germán Cano and Manoel complete the list of absentees due to muscle injuries.
These losses change the teams’ usual rhythm, especially in Fluminense, where Soteldo takes a prominent position in the attack.
Planned substitutions include Pablo Vegetti and Paulinho Paula for Vasco, and John Kennedy with
Streaming and accessing content
The match will be shown live on paid channels and streaming, ensuring broad coverage for fans on Brasil.
The main media include SporTV and Premiere on closed TV, with narration by Gustavo Villani and comments by Eric Faria and Paulo Nunes.
Amazon Prime Video offers exclusive broadcasting in high definition, accessible via app or website for subscribers.
Platforms like ge.globo provide real-time updates, with statistics on ball possession, shots and cards.
- Additional options: Globoplay for reruns and Sportv 4K for higher resolution viewing.
- Start time: 8pm, with warm-up from 7pm on the canals.
- Mobile apps: Disponíveis for iOS and Android, with goal notifications.
History and importance of the semi-final
The classic between Vasco and Fluminense dates back to 1912, with more than 330 duels played in various competitions. Nesta edition of Copa of Brasil, Vasco advanced with victories over smaller teams, such as Águia of
Fluminense, two-time champions in 2007, eliminated rivals like Caxias and Aparecidense with elastic scores, including 5-1 in the quarterfinals. The semi is played round-trip, with the return game scheduled for December 18, also at Maracanã, and a penalty shootout in the event of an aggregate draw.
The winner secures a place in the Supercopa of the Brasil 2026 and in the group stage of the Libertadores, in addition to the prize of R$25 million for the title.
Recent statistics show an average of 2.5 goals per game between teams in 2025, with 40% of clashes ending in a draw.
Arbitration and rules applied
Raphael Claus referees the duel, assisted by Danilo Ricardo Simon Manis and Alex Ang Ribeiro at the flags. The fourth referee is Alex Gomes Stefano, and the VAR is under the responsibility of Daniel Nobre Bins.
Claus records an average of 4.33 cards per match this season, prioritizing fluidity without disciplinary excesses. Regras from the CBF include reviewing controversial moves via video, especially penalties and expulsions.
The Maracanã receives security reinforcement, with access isolation and fireworks control, aiming to avoid interruptions.
Attack moments and previous statistics
Vasco and Fluminense have complementary averages: Cruzmaltino has 1.8 shots on goal per game in the last five duels, while Tricolor converts 45% of their shots.
Fluminense’s average ball possession reaches 55% in derbies, with 12 corners per match collectively. Duelos aerials favor Vasco, with 60% efficiency in high defense.
- Expected ownership: Fluminense 52%, Vasco 48%.
- Chances created: 8 per team, focusing on counterattacks.
- Decisive passes: Coutinho leads with 2.5 per game in Vasco; Acosta responds with 3.2 on Flu.
Expectations for the direct confrontation
The semi’s regulations allow a minimum advantage in the first game, putting pressure on the home team to seek a positive result. Treinadores adjust tactics for Maracanã, with a renovated pitch ensuring ball speed.
Vasco bets on Rayan for his speed on the wings, while Fluminense exploits Serna in infiltrations. Deep Bancos allow tactical changes from 60 minutes onwards, changing the balance.
The classic attracts 60 thousand spectators, boosting revenues of R$5 million for the clubs. Cobertura digital includes lives on social networks, with fan interactions about bids.
