Vasco prepare for Copa do Brasil clash with Botafogo, new signing in | OneFootball

Vasco da Gama reported back this Wednesday (3), at CT Moacyr Barbosa, and began preparation for the return match of the quarterfinals of the Copa do Brasil, against Botafogo, scheduled for next Thursday (11), at 9:30 pm, at Nilton Santos Stadium. The first duel, at São Januário, ended in a 1-1 draw, and the Rio team is seeking an advantage to advance to the next phase.

The training this Wednesday marked the big news of the day: the presence of defender Carlos Cuesta, the new reinforcement of the Giant of the Hill. Announced on Monday and officially presented on Tuesday, the 26-year-old Colombian defender arrived in Rio de Janeiro last Sunday and signed a loan contract with Galatasaray until the end of 2026, with a purchase clause.

“I'm good, I'm happy to come to Rio and be here to conquer everything with Vasco,” declared Cuesta, who arrives to reinforce the defense after the departure of João Victor and the arrival of Robert Renan. Born in Quibdó, Colombia, Cuesta began his career at Atlético Nacional, went through Genk, Belgium, and then Galatasaray, Turkey, where he played eight matches last season.

The defender highlighted the importance of bonding with his teammates: “The first thing is to have work time, which is difficult at this time. We also have to understand each other in defense and from there give security to the team. If the team is secure at the back, with the quality we have upfront, the results will come”. He also stated that he is already ready to play, having participated in the preseason by the Turkish club.

Vasco's last commitment was on Sunday, for the 22nd round of the Brazilian Championship, when the team beat Sport by 3 to 2, at Ilha do Retiro. With the return of Cuesta, the coach will have one more option to reinforce the defense in the decision against Botafogo, which happens after the pause of the Fifa Date.

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