Vasco player ratings: Thiago Mendes and Philippe Coutinho shine in 2-0 win over Botafogo | OneFootball

Vasco beat Botafogo 2-0 at São Januário in the 2026 Campeonato Carioca. According to Globo.com, Thiago Mendes and Philippe Coutinho received the highest ratings.

The breakthrough arrived soon after the interval when a Coutinho cross led to a loose ball that Brenner finished. Brenner later won a penalty that Coutinho converted.

Mendes, rated 7.5, controlled Vasco’s build-up despite heavy rain and departed to warm applause. Coutinho, also 7.5, repeatedly picked dangerous passes, went close from a free-kick and kept his composure from the spot.

Brenner, 7.0, overcame a scrappy first half to score and then draw the penalty, gaining confidence thereafter. Andrés Gómez, 7.0, was a constant outlet on the left and teed up the move that brought the spot-kick.

Léo Jardim, 6.5, swept up behind a high line and was alert when tested. Lucas Piton, 6.5, delivered with intent and almost netted from a rebound. Barros, 6.5, intercepted well and induced the dismissal.

At the back, Robert Renan, 6.0, played most of the match on a booking, while Saldivia, 5.5, was inconsistent. Head coach Fernando Diniz, 6.5, backed his strongest line-up and managed minutes, as the win halted a three-game barren run.

Source: Globo.com