"It was a huge pain": Vasco captain eyes more than the trophy

In partnership with

Papo na Colina

·23 October 2025

"It was a huge pain": Vasco captain eyes more than the trophy

The forward Pablo Vegetti faces the semifinal of the Copa do Brasil against Fluminense as a chance for personal redemption. After the draw for the home and away matches, the captain of Vasco da Gama recalled the painful elimination against Atlético-MG at the same stage in 2024. The Argentine revealed that the episode “affected him greatly” and that the dream of winning the cup is what drives the group.

+ The ‘new phase’ of a captain: What Vasco's top scorer said about being on the bench?

OneFootball Videos

Athlete recalls the elimination in 2024

The memory of last year's semifinal, when Vasco was eliminated at São Januário, is still vivid for the striker. He described the feeling of that moment:

“I was very confident last year against Atlético-MG. That semifinal affected me a lot. There’s an image of me falling on the field. It was a great pain for me because I have a desire, a big dream of winning this cup.”

“We arrive better than in the previous semifinal”

Vegetti made a point of turning the page and showed confidence in the team's maturity. For the captain, the team arrives more prepared for this year's decision, which will take place in December.

“We have to understand the moment, this could be today, we are ahead again. Let's go for it. A bigger dream, with even more work in the team, which gives more security. We arrive better than in the previous semifinal,” he emphasized.

Leadership maintained even on the bench

Despite having lost his starting position in the last two games, Vegetti reaffirmed his role as a leader. He treated going to the bench with naturalness (“Normal. It's part of my job”) and remains one of the active voices in the locker room. Before the classic against Fluminense, for the Brasileirão, he was one of those who spoke to the group:

“Besides the result, we have to go on the field and do everything we work on. Everything, damn it,” said the captain.

Vasco wants the first game at São Januário

The draw determined that Vasco will be the host of the first match. Director Admar Lopes confirmed that the club wants to play at São Januário, but the final decision will depend on discussions with public security authorities.