Carioca: Vasco set to field strongest side against Flamengo | OneFootball

Vasco da Gama is working with the possibility of using their full-strength squad in the derby against Flamengo, valid for the 3rd round of the Campeonato Carioca, scheduled for January 21. According to internal planning, this should be the first match of the season with a more consistent presence of the starters.

The information was released by journalist Fábio Azevedo, who points out that the main clubs in Rio chose to start the State Championship with alternative lineups, due to the gradual return of squads after the break period. The trend is for the starters to begin being used from the third round, after about two weeks of training.

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Vasco vs Portuguesa-RJ at São Januário (Photo: Matheus Lima/Vasco)

Despite the initial strategy, the financial regulations of the 2026 Campeonato Carioca increase the pressure for results from the very start. Unlike previous editions, this year’s prize money rewards sporting performance, which can have significant financial impacts for the big clubs in case of slip-ups during the group stage.

The competition features two groups of six clubs, who face each other in a single round. The eight teams that qualify for the quarterfinals receive R$ 1 million, and the matchups are within the groups: 1st faces 4th, and 2nd faces 3rd. Reaching the semifinals guarantees a bonus of R$ 5.5 million.

With this model, there is a risk that one of the big clubs could miss out on the semifinals, which would mean a loss of up to R$ 15.5 million. On the other hand, a so-called small club could see an unprecedented financial boost, earning amounts close to those of the big clubs. In the last three years, at least one lower-budget club has reached the semifinals, as happened with Nova Iguaçu, a finalist in 2024.

Vasco began preparations for the Carioca with an alternative squad and regrouped at CT Moacyr Barbosa. Their debut in the State Championship is scheduled for January 15, against Maricá, at São Januário. The expectation is that, in the opening rounds, the team will be led by Fernando Diniz with an alternative lineup.

“The break was shorter, only 10 days, which helps avoid a significant loss of physical conditioning. Since the end of last season, we have carried out complete cardiological exams so that the athletes return with all clinical aspects up to date,” explained the club’s medical director, Gustavo Caldeira.

Vasco’s main squad should be complete by next Monday (5th), with the arrival of Fernando Diniz and the other players. Meanwhile, the debut of the main team in the Campeonato Brasileiro is scheduled for January 28, away from home, against Mirassol.

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Vasco players in a match against Internacional (Photo: Jorge Rodrigues/AGIF)

Meanwhile, Vasco is working with the following alternative squad for the start of the Carioca:

Goalkeepers: Fuzato, Pablo, Allan Vitor, Victor Alemão, Lucas Serra, and CaduFull-backs: Paulinho, Léo, Leandrinho, and João Vitor (2005)Center-backs: Lyncon, Lucas Freitas, Renan, and Wallace FalcãoMidfielders: JP, Sforza, Maxime Domínguez, Estrella, and MedinaForwards: Garré, GB, Alex Bruno, Adson, and João Vitor (2008)

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This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.