Paulo Henrique’s own goal gives Fluminense an advantage over Vasco in the Copa do Brasil semi-final

Fluminense opened the scoring against Vasco in the 35th minute of the first half in the return match of the semi-final of Copa of The goal came unintentionally, with right-back Paulo Henrique deflecting into his own goal in an attempted cut. With the partial result of 1-0, Tricolor of Laranjeiras seeks to reverse the disadvantage of the first game, lost 2-1.

The match started evenly, with both teams competing for control in midfield. Vasco, who are playing for the advantage of a draw on aggregate, adopted a more defensive stance in the opening minutes. Fluminense pressed for possession of the ball and created the first opportunities.

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Main plays of the first half

• 35′– Gol do Fluminense! Paulo Henrique scores against when trying to cut off a cross, opening the scoring for Maracanã. The move changed the pace of the match.
• 34′– Serna advances to the left and crosses low to Canobbio. The Vasco defense intercepts and concedes a corner.
• 31′– Andrés Gómez receives a yellow card for a foul on a quick charge by Fluminense. The Colombian interrupted the counterattack.
• 28′– Canobbio receives a pass from Samuel Xavier, invades the area and finishes with a cross. Léo Jardim defends safely.
• 12′– Fábio makes a great save on a shot from Andrés Gómez from outside the area. The Fluminense goalkeeper prevents an early equalizer.
• 9′– Samuel Xavier receives a yellow card for a foul on Andrés Gómez on the left wing.

Team performance at the start

Fluminense entered the field needing to reverse the aggregate score after defeat in the first game. The Luis Zubeldía team bet on quick exchanges of passes to break through the Vasco blockade. Everaldo and Canobbio appeared well in offensive transitions.

Vasco, led by Fernando Diniz, prioritized defensive compaction and quick exits with Andrés Gómez and Rayan. Paulo Henrique played as the starting right-back, but ended up being a negative player in the own goal. The Cruzmaltina team controlled part of the possession in the first minutes.

Context of the semi-final

This is the second leg of the Copa semi-final of Brasil 2025, with Vasco taking the advantage after winning 2-1 in the first leg. Fluminense needs to win by two goals to advance directly or by one to go to penalties. The winner faces the team classified between Corinthians and Cruzeiro in the final.

The teams have already faced each other several times in 2025, with balanced results in classics for Brasileirão and Carioca. Copa of Brasil represents a title opportunity for both Rio clubs.

Lineup and tactical adjustments

Fluminense lined up with Fábio in goal, Samuel Xavier, Thiago Silva, Freytes and Renê in defense. In the middle, Martinelli, Nonato and Lucho Acosta organize the plays. In attack, Canobbio, Serna and Everaldo look for spaces.

Vasco climbed Léo Jardim, Paulo Henrique, Cuesta, Robert Renan and Puma Rodríguez on the defensive line. Coutinho and Cauan Barros command the midfield alongside Thiago Mendes. Rayan and Andrés Gómez lead the offensive sector.

Arbitration and broadcast

Wilton Pereira Sampaio whistles the classic, assisted by Rodrigo Figueiredo Henrique Correa and Bruno Raphael Pires. The broadcast takes place live on channels such as SporTV, Premiere and Amazon Prime Video. The time of Brasília marks 8:30 pm as the official start.

The match attracts great expectations at Maracanã, with divided fans and increased security around the stadium.

Recent history between rivals

Fluminense and Vasco fought intense duels throughout 2025. Balance marked the clashes, with alternating victories in state and national competitions. Na Copa of Brasil, the knockout tournament adds extra pressure to define a place.

Both clubs are looking for their second title in the competition. Fluminense won the title in 2007, while Vasco lifted the cup in 2011.

Copa Statistics from Brasil 2025

Fluminense has a higher average number of shots in games in the current competition. The team eliminated opponents like Bahia in the quarterfinals and Internacional in the round of 16. Vasco advanced with eliminations over Botafogo on penalties.

Data indicates balance in corners and cards throughout the phases. The teams reach the semifinals with solid campaigns in the tournament.

Initial reactions to the own goal

Paulo Henrique’s goal surprised the Vasco defense and cheered up the Tricolor side. Jogadores of Fluminense celebrated the partial advantage, while Vasco reorganized lines to seek reaction. The move originated from a quick corner taken by Canobbio.

The match continues in the first half, with Fluminense maintaining pressure in search of expansion.

Expectations for the second half

Vasco must adjust positioning to explore counterattacks with speed of Andrés Gómez. Fluminense continues to prioritize possession of the ball and infiltrations through the wings. Substituições can change the outlook in the final minutes.

The Rio classic maintains high intensity, with fierce competition for a place in the final of the Copa of the Brasil.

Current clash details

The semi-final brings together two of the biggest clubs in the Rio of Janeiro at a decisive moment. Maracanã records a significant presence of fans on both sides. The high prize pool motivates the teams in the final stretch of the tournament.

The game continues with a score of 1-0 in favor of Fluminense at the time of reporting.