Vasco’s revival: now pushing for a Libertadores place | OneFootball

Vasco da Gama is experiencing a new moment in the Brazilian Championship. The team that three months ago was fighting to avoid relegation is now dreaming big — and competing for a spot in the 2026 Libertadores. The 3-0 victory over Red Bull Bragantino last Sunday (26), away from home, was the fourth consecutive win for the team led by Fernando Diniz, which reached 42 points and occupies the eighth position, with the best second-round campaign alongside Palmeiras and Mirassol.

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Vasco players celebrate victory over Bragantino — Photo: Matheus Lima / CRVG

But what explains this impressive turnaround for the Cruzmaltino? Below are the main reasons that changed Vasco's reality in this final stretch of the season:

1. Conviction in Fernando Diniz's work

Amid the turbulence of the first half of the championship, Vasco maintained its composure. President Pedrinho, a great admirer of Diniz's style, bet on the continuity of the project, even under external pressure and criticism after the elimination in the South American Cup.

The trust was rewarded. The coach maintained his tactical convictions, continued prioritizing ball possession and offensive play, and saw the team mature. The support from the management, combined with the squad's commitment, was essential to transform performance into results.

2. A precise transfer window

The arrival of executive Admar Lopes was crucial for a surgical overhaul. Vasco brought in reinforcements that changed the team's level.

The duo Carlos Cuesta and Robert Renan solidified the defense — the team hasn't conceded goals in three games. In attack, Andrés Gómez took over the starting position on the right wing and already has four assists, being a key player in the victory over Bragantino.

Another successful move was the early return of midfielder Barros, who came back from América-MG and became one of the midfield pillars. Since his return, Vasco hasn't lost a single match in which he started playing.

3. The resurgence of Philippe Coutinho

The number 10 is shining again at São Januário. Physically recovered and with game rhythm, Philippe Coutinho has rediscovered his best football and become the team's brain.

Even without leading in goals or assists, he is the link between the field sectors, initiating plays from defense and leading the team to attack. At 33, Coutinho is experiencing his best moment since returning to the club and could end 2025 with the highest number of matches in his career.

4. Rayan's prominence

The great Vasco jewel has lived up to expectations. Rayan, only 19 years old, is the team's main name and one of the highlights of the Brasileirão.

With 16 goals in the season — 11 of them in the championship and nine scored since August — the forward was decisive in victories over Fortaleza, Fluminense, Vitória, and Bragantino. His evolution under Diniz's command has placed him among the country's top scorers and attracted interest from European clubs.

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Andrés Gómez in action in Bragantino vs. Vasco — Photo: Joisel Amaral/AGIF

A new Vasco on the field and in mentality

With stability off the field, timely reinforcements, and the brilliance of its main players, Vasco has left the relegation battle in the past. Today, the team dreams big — and for the first time in years, the fans believe that the goal of returning to the Libertadores is more alive than ever.

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