Vasco’s 2017 interim win over Fluminense offers hope before semi-final | OneFootball

Vasco head into Sunday’s derby with Fluminense under interim coach Bruno Lazaroni after five games without a win and a managerial sacking. According to Globo.com, supporters are drawing parallels with 2017 and hoping for a similar outcome.

Nine years ago at the Maracanã, with Milton Mendes dismissed and Zé Ricardo set to arrive, club idol Valdir Bigode took charge as caretaker for the derby.

Fluminense had home advantage, with 90% of tickets for their fans. In his pre-match comments, Valdir noted there was no scope to overhaul the team in a few days.

Left-back Ramon Motta, now a Globo pundit, felt the shift that week was more mental than tactical. He won it with a thunderous strike into the top corner, sealing a 1-0 victory.

Vasco’s last trophy remains the Campeonato Carioca, won in 2016 with a second straight title against Botafogo at the Maracanã. To avoid hitting 10 years without silverware in May, they must lift the 2026 edition.

In the semi-final with Fluminense, Lazaroni’s side must win by two or more goals to reach the final. A one-goal victory sends it to penalties, while a draw or defeat puts Fluminense through.

Source: Globo.com