Five reasons for Vasco optimism before Copa do Brasil final against Corinthians | OneFootball

Corinthians and Vasco meet in the first leg of the Copa do Brasil final on Wednesday at 21:30 Brasília time, at Neo Química Arena. Vasco chase a second title and want a result to bring back to the Maracanã for Sunday’s 18:00 decider.

According to Globo.com, despite a poor recent record against Corinthians, Vasco fans have grounds for optimism. Here are five.

They ended a 14-year winless run last year with a 2-0 home win, Lucas Piton and Sforza scoring. That result cut across memories of the 2000 Club World Cup final, the 2011 Brasileirão and the 2012 Libertadores.

Fernando Diniz has been central to this run, sharpening performances in knockout ties, particularly after the latest transfer window arrivals. The two displays against Fluminense suggested a different side to the one that finished the league on a low.

Rayan’s form is another pillar. Voted the Brasileirão revelation, he was crucial against Fluminense, equalising then creating the winner in the first leg. He leads the Copa do Brasil scoring with five goals, level with Kaio Jorge of Cruzeiro, who are out.

Home advantage in the return also matters. After Wednesday’s trip to São Paulo, the Maracanã will be packed with Vasco fans on Sunday, with half of the available tickets sold in the early members’ waves.

Finally, Vasco have already removed favourites on this run. Botafogo and Fluminense arrived in better form across the league and the season, yet both were knocked out.

Source: Globo.com