Start now! Fluminense x Vasco in the semi-final of the Copa do Brasil 2025

Fluminense and Vasco from The match is valid for the return leg of the semifinal of the Copa of the Brasil 2025 and promises strong emotions for Rio fans, deciding a coveted place in the grand final of the national tournament.

Cruzmaltino arrives with a considerable advantage, having won the first game 2-1, with goals from Rayan and Vegetti, after Kevin Serna opened the scoring for Tricolor. Este result allows Vasco to advance to the final with a simple draw in the return duel, providing a strategic position for the clash.

For Fluminense, the mission is clear: win by two goals to guarantee direct classification and reverse the adverse score from the first game. A victory by just one goal difference would take the decision to a penalty shootout, further increasing the drama and unpredictability of the classic.

Live broadcast of the clash

The exclusive broadcast of the clash between Fluminense and Vasco will be broadcast live through different platforms, ensuring that fans do not miss any part of the decision. On closed television, the SporTV and Premiere channels provide complete coverage of the match, with in-depth analysis before and after the game.

Additionally, for those who prefer to follow the game via streaming, Amazon Prime Video offers access on mobile devices and smart TVs. Estas options ensure broad coverage for all audiences, allowing flexibility in choosing how to watch the Rio classic in a convenient way.

Probable lineups and absences

Fluminense, under the command of Luis Zubeldía, plans the lineup with the return of Canobbio, who was suspended in the first game and is an important piece for the offensive scheme. The likely formation includes Fábio in goal; Samuel Xavier, Thiago Silva, Freytes and Renê in the defensive line; Martinelli, Nonato and Lucho Acosta in midfield, responsible for creation and containment; and Canobbio, Kevin Serna and Everaldo in attack, looking for the turnaround and constant pressure.

The tricolor team faces important absences that require tactical adjustments, with Germán Cano and Manoel out due to injuries, directly impacting the offensive and defensive sector, respectively. Yeferson Soteldo also remains a doubt, after presenting muscle problems, adding another challenge to the team’s formation and game strategy.

Recent history of rivals

Fluminense and Vasco took part in several meetings throughout 2025, with a retrospective that demonstrates the balance and intensity of the rivalry between the teams. No Campeonato Brasileiro, Tricolor achieved two victories over their rival, while Cruzmaltino came out on top in another clash and, more recently, in the first leg of this semi-final of Copa from Brasil. Ambos the clubs are aiming for their second national championship in the tournament, which adds an extra layer of pressure and rivalry to this classic. Historicamente, the more than 300 classics already played point to a slight advantage for Vasco in total number of victories, but each new clash rewrites this narrative with current performances and the search for an expressive title.

Arbitration for the decisive duel

Confederação Brasileira of Futebol (CBF) designated Wilton Pereira Sampaio, referee of Goiás, to command the match at Maracanã. Ele will be assisted on the sides by Rodrigo Figueiredo Henrique Correa, from Rio from Janeiro, and Bruno Raphael Pires, also from Goiás, forming an experienced team for the classic.

The fourth referee will be Jonathan Benkenstein Pinheiro, from Rio Grande from Sul, completing the field team and ensuring the necessary support for the main team. The coordination of the VAR (Vídeo Referee) will be in charge of Wagner Reway, Santa Catarina, who will be responsible for reviewing the capital moves, with the assistance of

The choice of a refereeing team with experience in major games aims to ensure control of the game and fair application of the rules, in a classic known for its intensity and fierce disputes in each sector of the field.

Teams’ path to the semi-final

Fluminense secured their place in the semi-finals of Copa of Brasil by eliminating Bahia in the quarter-finals, after a favorable aggregate score that demonstrated the strength of the squad. The team demonstrated consistency in the previous stages, overcoming several opponents with solid performances, even with some fluctuations in performance in the Campeonato Brasileiro, where they secured a qualifying position for the Libertadores.

Defensive solidity, with Thiago Silva in the lead, and the decision-making power of players like Kevin Serna were crucial to Tricolor’s trajectory until this decisive phase, showing the team’s ability to overcome. The return of Canobbio further reinforces the offensive options, bringing more creativity and firepower to the search for a comeback.

In turn, Vasco from Gama reached the semi-finals after a dramatic penalty shootout victory against Cruzmaltino also overcame the initial stages with positive aggregate results, as in the clash against CSA, demonstrating a consistent campaign in the tournament.

The Vasco campaign, under the direction of Fernando Diniz, has been marked by the creativity of Philippe Coutinho and the speed of

Expectation of Maracanã full

The Estádio of the Maracanã is preparing to receive a significant audience, with the expectation of maximum capacity, reaching its capacity of around 78 thousand fans. The Tricolor fans, known for their passion and unconditional support, will exert strong pressure in search of a turnaround, while caravans of Vasco fans from across the state will travel to support the team in its quest to qualify for the final.

Tactical details and featured players

Kevin Serna emerges as one of the main names of Fluminense, with decisive performances and significant contributions in goals and assists in recent games. Sua speed and skill represent a constant challenge for the Vasco defense, especially with the return of Canobbio, who will strengthen the tricolor offensive sector, creating more play options and tables.

In Vasco, Philippe Coutinho takes on the role of conductor, orchestrating plays and distributing precise passes that supply attackers like Rayan and Andrés Gómez. The Cruzmaltina defense, with Carlos Cuesta and