📹 Vegetti inspires Vasco comeback win over Fluminense in Copa semi | OneFootball

At Maracanã, Vasco defeated Fluminense 2-1 this Thursday (11th), in the first leg of the Copa do Brasil semifinals.

The Tricolor das Laranjeiras was better in the first half and, because of that, took the lead on the scoreboard.

With quick and vertical passing exchanges, Luis Zubeldía’s team outmaneuvered the Cruz-Maltino defense, which struggled to organize its marking.

Lucho Acosta threatened early in the game, but after a set piece play, with a cross from Renê into the box and a header from Thiago Silva, Kevin Serna finished to open the scoring.

The ball deflected off the defense and went into the corner, leaving Léo Jardim with no chance to save.

Vasco showed difficulties in the offensive sector and only threatened when Puma Rodríguez appeared in the box to chip over Fábio, but Thiago Silva covered to save Fluminense.

After the break, Fernando Diniz’s team came back hungrier and quickly equalized.

Andrés Gómez crossed from the left, the tricolor defense slipped in marking, and Rayan appeared unmarked to blast it in.

The Cruz-Maltino striker reached 5 goals and tied Kaio Jorge of Cruzeiro as the top scorer of the Copa do Brasil.

Improvised at left-back to cover for the injured Lucas Piton, Pumita Rodríguez became a major offensive weapon for Vasco. 

After being stopped by Fábio with a shot from a tight angle, the Uruguayan appeared unmarked in the box to head the ball onto the post.

More tired after playing with their starters in the last round of the Brasileirão, Fluminense saw their rival dominate the final stage and rarely threatened goalkeeper Léo Jardim.

And, in the last minute of stoppage time, after another cross from the left, Vegetti took advantage of another mistake by defender Freytes and appeared to head the ball in, sealing Vasco’s comeback in the classic.

🔥 Heated Atmosphere

Besides the natural heat of Rio de Janeiro in December, the classic had provocation and some moments of "regrettable scenes".

Before the start of the match, an organized Vasco fan group displayed a 3D mosaic with their mascot holding a shirt with the letter "C", alluding to the year 1999, when their rival played in the third division of the Brazilian Championship.

And, with the ball rolling, there was no shortage of shoves and heated disputes.

🚦 What's Next

With the win, Vasco only needs a draw next Sunday (14th), again at Maracanã, to secure a spot in the Copa do Brasil finals. 

Fluminense, on the other hand, needs to win by two goals to qualify. If the Tricolor wins by just one goal, the spot will be decided on penalties.

The opponent in the final will come from the Corinthians vs Cruzeiro match (first leg 1-0).

Featured photo: Matheus Lima/Vasco da Gama

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