Rayan hailed by Vasco team-mates and Zubeldía after decisive semi-final display | OneFootball

Rayan continued his outstanding season for Vasco, hauling his side into a Copa do Brasil semi-final lead over Fluminense and drawing praise from both dressing rooms.

According to Globo.com, the forward struck the equaliser, then sparked the winner by springing up after being fouled to take a quick free-kick. Puma found Andrés Gómez, whose cross was headed in by Vegetti.

It mirrored their last meeting in the Brasileirão second round, a 2-0 Vasco win, when Rayan opened the scoring and created the second after slicing through the Tricolor defence. Fluminense head coach Zubeldía said the match was even but highlighted Rayan as the difference.

Paulo Henrique called Rayan the squad’s jewel and praised his speed of thought on the decisive set-piece, while also crediting Gómez and top scorer Vegetti for the finish.

Head coach Diniz lauded Rayan’s impact and explained a second-half tweak, pushing him further right after Vegetti came on 30 minutes into the half, adding that he wants the forward constantly involved given his decision-making alongside Andrés Gómez and Coutinho.

Rayan is Vasco’s leading scorer under Diniz with 17 goals. He tops the Copa do Brasil charts on five, level with Kaio Jorge of Cruzeiro, was named the Brasileirão’s revelation, and has a deal to 2026 with a three-year extension being worked on.

Vasco face Fluminense again on Sunday at 20:30 Brasília time in the semi-final return, with a place in the final at stake.

Source: Globo.com