From title hope to pressure: how Vasco changed since last semi-final with Fluminense | OneFootball

In just over two months, Vasco have gone from title hope to mounting pressure. They face Fluminense on Sunday at Nilton Santos at 18:00 in the Campeonato Carioca semi-final first leg.

According to Globo.com, they last met in the Copa do Brasil semi-finals, when a Vegetti strike and a shootout win carried Vasco to a first final in 14 years.

The final against Corinthians hurt. Diniz's side drew 0-0 at Neo Química Arena, then Corinthians won 2-1 at the Maracanã, his first runner-up finish at the stadium.

The window reshaped the attack. Top scorers Vegetti, to Cerro Porteño, and Rayan, to Bournemouth, departed. They had 47 of 94 goals in 2025, with Vegetti on 27 and Rayan 20.

Despite seven defeats in the last eight, confidence followed that semi-final, but he is winless in the Campeonato Brasileiro and was called 'burro' by sections of the crowd after Chapecoense and Bahia.

Inside the club he still has president Pedrinho's backing, with hope that fitness and signings lift performances. Six have arrived, Johan Rojas, Saldivia, Brenner, Spinelli, Marino Hinestroza and Cuiabano.

Brenner has replaced Rayan up front and has one goal in five games. Rojas and Hinestroza come from the bench, Spinelli has scored at São Januário, and Cuiabano is still reconditioning.

Coutinho then asked to end his contract, citing mental fatigue and a closed cycle. He was booed, cried at half-time and did not return. Replacing him this window is seen as difficult, so the club will lean on recent signings.

Source: Globo.com