Vasco look to break poor derby run to progress in Copa do Brasil | OneFootball

Vasco approaches the decisive classic against Botafogo this Thursday at Nilton Santos, surrounded by a challenge that goes beyond the opponent on the field: the poor recent performance in confrontations against the Carioca rivals.

In the last 50 classics, the Cross-Maltino won only 11 times, drew another 11, and was defeated on 28 occasions. A performance of only 28.6%, a number that worries the fans in a duel that is worth a spot in the semifinals of the Copa do Brasil.

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Vasco x Botafogo at São Januário — Photo: Alexandre Durão

The situation in 2025 is even more delicate. In nine classics played this season, Vasco has only one victory — precisely over Botafogo, by 1 to 0, in the Guanabara Cup, with a penalty goal by Vegetti. There were also two draws and six defeats, a performance of only 18.5%.

If on the one hand the general statistics are negative, on the other there is a point of hope: Botafogo is precisely the rival against whom Vasco has the best numbers. Of the 11 victories in the last 50 classics, seven were against Alvinegro.

Last 50 Vasco classics (recent cut)

The challenge of Fernando Diniz

This Thursday's game also carries a special weight for Fernando Diniz. Since he took over Vasco, the coach has not yet won in classics: he lost to Fluminense and Botafogo in the Brasileirão and drew with Alvinegro in the first leg of the Copa do Brasil.

Diniz's last triumph over Botafogo occurred in 2022, in the Brasileirão, when he was still commanding another club. Since then, he has faced the rival on eight occasions, totaling six defeats and two draws.

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Photo: Leandro Amorim / Vasco.

What's at stake

To qualify, Vasco needs to win in regular time or draw and decide on penalties. In case of victory, it will repeat the feat of last season, when it reached the semifinals of the Copa do Brasil, being eliminated by Atlético-MG.

The record is uncomfortable, but history shows that, against Botafogo, Vasco finds its greatest strengths in recent classics. The answer will come this Thursday, at 9:30 pm, at Nilton Santos.

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