Zubeldía associates the elimination with the profile of Vasco’s players and assesses: “Rightly so”

The elimination of Fluminense in the semi-finals of the Brazilian Cup on Sunday evening (14) also marked the end of the 2025 season for the club. After the classic, Luis Zubeldía analyzed Vasco’s victory — 4-3 on penalties — as deserved and linked the ranking to the profile of his players.

Even if the coach recognized his rival as more incisive in front of goal, it was Fluminense who won the classic in regulation time: 1-0, thanks to an own goal from Paulo Henrique. The score led to the decision to go to penalties.

“They created more situations, but, in general, in both games the development was very similar. They were a little more incisive in front of goal. I think it also has to do with the profile of their players: more vertical athletes, who can finish from outside the area. As in the case of Rayan”, and he added:

“In the end, this concept ended up being confirmed in advance. They were deserved. Unfortunately, for us, we have to put our heads down and start thinking about what lies ahead,” the coach said.

Zubeldía tries, but the team fails

Fluminense entered the field needing to reverse the 2-1 defeat they suffered in the first match and it didn’t take long to at least tie the total. To do this, he benefited from the help of Paulo Henrique, who scored against his side while trying to clear the ball.

The match started in a balanced manner, with many disputes in midfield and long balls. Vasco faced danger from long-range shots from Andrés Gómez and Rayan, requiring two good saves from Fábio.

After a confusing start, Fluminense began to better control the actions, mainly on the right, with Samuel Xavier and Canobbio. The goal arrived just there: the full-back found the Uruguayan, who crossed, Everaldo deflected it and hit the post. Paulo Henrique made a mistake in the sequence and scored on the counter.

In the final phase, the storyline remained. The teams continued to trade attacks, but with little offensive inspiration. Fábio stood out again by pushing away a header from Rayan in the corner. On the French side, Zubeldía favored the arrivals of Ganso and John Kennedy, but the team created little.

End of season

With the elimination, Fluminense ends its participation in the 2025 season. The club reached the final of the Campeonato Carioca, finished fifth in the Brasileirão and stopped in the semifinals of the Copa do Brasil. He also reached the same stage during the Club World Cup in the United States.

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