Vasco of Gama defeated Fluminense 2-1 at Maracanã, this Thursday (11), in a match valid for the first leg of the semi-final of Argentine center forward Pablo Vegetti, who came on in the second half, scored the winning goal in the 48th minute, after a cross from Andrés Gómez. The result gives an advantage to the Cruz-Maltino team, who can draw in the return to advance to the final.
Fluminense opened the scoring in the 21st minute of the first half with Kevin Serna, in a rehearsed free kick taken by Renê. Rayan equalized for Vasco 4 minutes into the final stage, with a precise finish after a cross from Nuno Moreira. The match, played on a packed night, saw 64,990 fans present.
Vegetti’s fast, the worst since arriving at the club in 2022, had lasted since October 26, in the 3-0 victory over Red Bull Bragantino by Brasileirão. With the goal, he adds 27 this season and regains the top score in Brazilian football, surpassing Kaio Jorge, from Cruzeiro, who has 26.
The victory boosts Vasco, who were coming off a 5-0 victory over Atlético-MG in the Brasileirão. Fluminense, unbeaten for seven games before the match, now needs a victory by two goals difference in the return, scheduled for Sunday (14), at 8:30 pm, also at Maracanã.
Decisive moment in Maracanã
In the 48th minute of the second half, Rayan started a play on the left and was fouled at the edge of the area. The quick kick found Andrés Gómez, who crossed just enough for Vegetti to head firmly, with no chance for goalkeeper Fábio.
The move exemplifies the persistence of Vasco, who pressed in the final minutes after the draw. Fluminense tried to react with Keno, but the Cruz-Maltina defense held the result.
The audience of 61,983 paying participants generated record income of R$7.45 million in this year’s Copa of Brasil, surpassing previous duels such as Flamengo x Atlético-MG.
History of confrontations in Copa of Brasil
Vasco and Fluminense faced each other in the semifinals of the competition in past editions, with balanced results. In 2006, the Cruz-Maltino team advanced with goals of Valdiram and Romário in the return.
In 2000, Fluminense eliminated their rival after a draw in the first leg and a 3-2 victory in the return, with goals from Romário for Vasco in the decisive match. Esses duels highlight the intense rivalry between Rio clubs.
- Vasco advanced in 2006 after a turnaround on aggregate;
- Fluminense came out on top in 2000 with goals worth França and Romário for the opponent;
- Total direct semifinals: two, with one victory for each side.
The current confrontation reinforces the pattern of balanced games, with frequent turnovers.
Vegetti performance against rivals
Vegetti has scored four goals against Fluminense since 2022, tying Botafogo for the second most goals. Fortaleza leads with five goals conceded.
The 36-year-old Argentine arrived at Vasco in July 2022 and quickly became a reference in the attack. Seus 27 goals this season include decisive contributions in knockout stages.
In 2025, he played 48 matches for the club, averaging 0.56 goals per game. The recent drought contrasted with their early form, but the goal against Flu signals recovery.
Strategy tactics in the classic
Fluminense adopted an offensive stance in the first half, with 58% possession and plays on the flanks. Coach Luís Zubeldía selected Lucho Acosta as point guard, generating Serna’s goal.
Fernando Diniz, from Vasco, opted for a midfield reinforced with Thiago Mendes and Cauan Barros, prioritizing quick transitions. The entry of Vegetti 24 minutes into the second half changed the rhythm, adding aerial presence.
The tricolor team made mistakes in dead balls, such as the charge that led to Rayan’s goal. Vasco exploited counterattacks, with 12 shots in total against 9 from Flu.
Match numbers and statistics
Maracanã saw a high-intensity game, with 24 fouls and balanced possession in the final stage. Vasco finished 12 times, converting two, while Fluminense had 9 shots, one goal.
Vegetti touched the ball 18 times, with 100% pass accuracy. Rayan, with two direct shots on the scoreboard, registered 3 successful dribbles.
- Ball possession: Vasco 42%, Fluminense 58%;
- Finishings: 12 to 9;
- Correct passes: 78% for Vasco, 82% for Flu;
- Cards: Yellow Apenas to Léo Jardim.
This data highlights Vasco’s efficiency in the opportunities created.
Reactions after the final whistle
Diniz praised the group’s resilience, highlighting the replacement of Vegetti as a turning point. The coach mentioned adjustments in marking to contain Acosta.
Zubeldía criticized the refereeing of set pieces, but focused on preparing for the return. Fluminense had Thiago Silva as best on the field, with 92% correct passes.
Fans flooded the networks with memes about the comeback, celebrating the “turnaround team”. Vasco gains emotional momentum after an irregular campaign in Brasileirão.
The return game promises tension, with Cruz-Maltino needing to avoid defeat by one goal to force penalties. The semi-final remains open, but Vasco has the upper hand at the moment.
