A ‘perfect round’: Vasco see rivals slip up, face Fluminense for G8 spot | OneFootball

The 29th round of the Brazilian Championship unfolded perfectly for Vasco’s ambitions. With the defeats of direct competitors, the club was not overtaken in the standings and takes the field this Monday depending only on itself to make a leap in the rankings. A win in the derby against Fluminense could put the team, for the first time this year, among the top eight.

+ Fluminense fans complain about the referee appointed for the derby against Vasco

Stumbles by direct rivals favor the club

The weekend was all about “rooting against” for Vasco fans, and the strategy paid off. Grêmio was thrashed by Bahia, and Ceará lost to Botafogo, results that prevented Vasco from being overtaken. The best result, however, was São Paulo’s defeat to Mirassol, which opened the door to the G-8.

The math is now simple. Vasco, with 36 points in 28 games, needs a win over Fluminense to reach 39 points. With that, they would surpass São Paulo, who remain at 38 points, and take eighth place, entering the qualification zone for a possible pre-Libertadores.

Vasco needs to win the derby to keep dreaming – Photo: Lucas Merçon/Fluminense

Fight for the Libertadores becomes the new goal

The scenario, which was previously a battle against relegation, is now a dream of the Libertadores. The fight for the G-6 (which could become G-7 or G-8) is wide open. The championship’s history shows that around 53 points are needed to secure a spot in the G-8.

The derby against Fluminense, a direct rival, is the first step in this new and exciting journey.

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