Vasco 2×0 Botafogo! Diniz: Result over performance in derby

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Papo na Colina

·9 February 2026

Vasco 2×0 Botafogo! Diniz: Result over performance in derby

Vasco’s 2-0 victory over Botafogo this Sunday (8) had a strategic significance that went beyond the three points. In the post-match press conference, coach Fernando Diniz adopted a pragmatic tone, valuing the team’s efficiency over putting on a show, especially due to the adverse conditions of the São Januário pitch, battered by rain. The win secured Cruz-Maltino second place in Group A and the advantage of playing the Carioca Championship quarterfinals at home against Volta Redonda.

Analyzing the match, Diniz drew a direct parallel with the frustrating draw against Chapecoense in the previous round of the Brasileirão. If on Thursday the team had volume but didn’t win, in the derby the logic was reversed: Vasco was lethal when it needed to be.

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Result vs. Performance: The Turning Point

For the Vasco coach, the context demanded a win at any cost, regardless of the beauty of the game. The waterlogged pitch prevented the team’s traditional passing game, forcing a quick adaptation.

“The most important thing was to win. That’s what I wanted. Against Chapecoense, we played a great match, one of the best I’ve had at Vasco, and we didn’t win. Today the pitch didn’t allow us to repeat that game, but the team adapted quickly and was clinical in finishing. We had fewer shots but managed to score two goals,” Diniz analyzed.

This “clinical” approach mentioned by the coach was crucial to securing a favorable position in the standings and avoiding an early clash with Fluminense, which would have happened in case of a slip-up.

The Reason for Using the Full-Strength Squad

One of the points questioned was the decision to field the starters, given that Vasco has an important Brasileirão match next Wednesday (11) against Bahia. Diniz, however, was emphatic in stating that the strategy was aimed at securing home advantage in the quarterfinals and improving the team’s morale with a derby win.

According to the coach, the Health and Performance Department assessed that the squad was fit to handle two games in a short span.

“We decided to put out the strongest team to win the game. The team is healthy enough to play today and against Bahia. If qualification had already been secured, we would have used another strategy. I think it was the right call,” he explained.

Diniz at the post-victory press conference – Photo: Bruno Murito / ge

Physical Management and Focus on Bahia

Diniz also highlighted last season’s positive track record in squad management to reassure fans about the risk of injuries. The coaching staff’s idea is to keep competitiveness high without unnecessarily exposing the players.

“We always take care of the physical side. Last year, we made few changes to the team and had few injuries. We don’t expose the players, they’ll hold up well. We needed to win, it makes for a better atmosphere,” he concluded.

Now, the focus shifts back to the Brazilian Championship. Vasco returns to the pitch on Wednesday at 9:30 p.m. to face Bahia at São Januário, seeking their first win in the national competition after a shaky start.

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