Watch the highlights: Bahia 1-0 Vasco | OneFootball

Vasco disappointed once again in the Brazilian Championship. Despite urgently needing points to avoid the risk of relegation, Fernando Diniz's team lost 1-0 to Bahia this Sunday (23) at Fonte Nova, marking their fifth consecutive defeat — the worst streak for the club in the entire competition.

With this result, Vasco remains with 42 points, practically stagnant in the standings and still looking nervously at the relegation zone. The minimum projected score to avoid relegation is 45 points, keeping the team under maximum pressure in the last three rounds.

A tense, stalled, and once again fragile Vasco

The team managed to balance the game after Bahia's stronger start, but faltered — again — in what has been the biggest problem of the season: the final pass, decision-making, and consistency.

Rayan had Vasco's first attempt, a weak shot into goalkeeper Ronaldo's hands. Later, Barros saved the team by preventing a certain goal from Arias. But from the middle of the first half, Vasco began to lose intensity and saw Bahia grow.

+ Vasco hits worst streak in the Brasileirão and repeats worrying performance

Erick Pulga gets emotional after scoring against Vasco. The player recently returned from injury (Photo: William Malta França/Photo Premium/Gazeta Press)

In the second half, Diniz tried to increase the offensive power by bringing in David, but the plan was short-lived: at 22 minutes, the forward was sent off after stepping on Kanu. With one less player, Vasco succumbed.

Bahia's goal came at 28 minutes, from a short corner kick that ended with Erick Pulga heading unmarked. He found the space, not the marker — a repeated scene for Vasco fans in 2025.

Pressure at the end and almost a draw, but the drama continues

Even with Mingo's expulsion on the Bahia side, Vasco only created a great chance at 44 minutes, when Paulo Henrique's header grazed the post. Otherwise, there was a lack of organization, a lack of confidence, and an abundance of nervousness.

The final whistle confirmed the fifth consecutive defeat, increasing the despair and emotional instability of a team that, just weeks ago, dreamed of a spot in the Pre-Libertadores.

Vasco's Situation

The pressure on Fernando Diniz increases, while the fans once again face the specter of relegation — a storyline that seemed distant but has returned to haunt São Januário.

Check out the highlights:

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