Vasco hit worst run in the Brasileirão, worrying form returns | OneFootball

For the third time in this Brazilian Championship, Vasco has reached a streak of five matches without a win. The difference now is the weight: it’s five consecutive defeats, a performance that raises the maximum alert at São Januário. At Fonte Nova, Cruz-Maltino was dominated by Bahia in the first half, saw David get sent off just as the team was showing signs of improvement, and ended up losing 1-0. The goal was scored by Erick Pulga, who hadn’t found the net since May 18 and had only recently returned after two months recovering from injury — an emotion that was reflected in his celebration.

Even with Ramos Mingo’s sending off at the end, Vasco couldn’t turn their numerical advantage into enough pressure, and Bahia deservedly won.

Lineups

Rogério Ceni had to adjust the defense without David Duarte and chose Kanu alongside Ramos Mingo. He took out Gilberto and Caio Alexandre, giving space to Santi Arias and Acevedo. Everton Ribeiro returned to the starting lineup after almost 50 days out.

For Vasco, Fernando Diniz was without Philippe Coutinho, who was suspended. Matheus França replaced him, while Cuesta and Gómez returned. Vegetti started on the bench.

+ Vasco loses fifth straight away from home and gets into even more trouble in the Brasileirão

Bahia vs Vasco: Erick Pulga, Bahia player, celebrates his goal — Photo: AGIF

First half: total dominance by Bahia

Vasco, used to playing in the opponent’s half, found themselves in the opposite situation in the first half. Bahia had control, possession, territory, and the best chances.

Ademir forced Léo Jardim into a great save after a transition started by Acevedo. Kanu missed a clear shot in the six-yard box, Everton Ribeiro had space at the top of the box but shot over, and Arias threatened after a combination down the right. There were four clear attacks that nearly opened the scoring.

Bahia varied their plays well: positional attacks, counterattacks, and aerial set pieces — always posing a threat.

Vasco showed some defensive improvement compared to the match against Grêmio, but struggled to keep possession and build from the back. Coutinho’s absence was clear: the team couldn’t link up or find the typical combinations of Diniz’s style. Gómez was too central, Rayan was isolated on the right, and Nuno Moreira and Matheus França were practically invisible.

With no support from the midfielders and full-backs barely participating in attack, the team also made mistakes both in the attacking and defensive midfield, allowing a series of shots.

Everton Ribeiro and Acevedo were Bahia’s most influential players.

Second half: red card changes everything

Diniz brought David on for Matheus França and moved Nuno Moreira to the central area. Vasco became more combative, won the ball back in attack, and even kept more possession. But the reaction was short-lived.

Léo Jardim had to save again after a good play by Ademir, and soon after David was correctly sent off for stepping on Kanu’s ankle in a challenge. The red card unraveled Vasco.

Diniz repositioned the team in a 5-3-1, with only Rayan up front.

Ceni responded by taking off Jean Lucas and Everton Ribeiro to bring on Tiago and Michel Araújo, turning Bahia into an aggressive 4-2-4. The pressure increased.

Bahia goal and tense final stretch

The goal came from a short corner on the right: Ademir played a one-two with Michel Araújo and crossed perfectly for Erick Pulga, who attacked the space behind Robert Renan and headed in to make it 1-0.

Even after the goal, Bahia remained on top. Willian José made way for Cauly, while Diniz made more changes to try to add attacking strength: Vegetti and Mateus Carvalho came on; Robert Renan and Hugo Moura went off.

+ Streak of 4 defeats creates fear at Vasco and Diniz responds about confidence for Copa do Brasil semifinal

Acevedo in Bahia vs Vasco — Photo: Rafael Rodrigues/EC Bahia

The match seemed under control for the Bahian side until Ramos Mingo, time-wasting as he was substituted, received a second yellow and was sent off. This reignited Vasco, who nearly equalized with a header from Paulo Henrique.

In the final minutes, Bahia closed ranks with Gabriel Xavier and Kanu in defense, plus Caio Alexandre and Michel Araújo protecting the area. They managed to hold on and overtake Fluminense, finishing the round provisionally in 6th place.

Vasco, on the other hand, could end the round in 15th place, experiencing their worst moment in the competition.

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