Mirasol finds the perfect place to administer a lethal dose to Vasco; Read the analysis

With this result, the Sao Paulo team reached 66 points and secured a direct place in the group stage of the Libertadores. Cruz-Maltino still has a chance of being relegated, but he could still save himself in this role, depending on the results of the teams below in the table. Otherwise, their fate will be decided on Sunday, against Atlético MG, at Arena MRV.

Furthermore, the Libertadores’ dream has become increasingly dependent on the Copa do Brasil title, with Fernando Diniz’s side increasingly far behind in eighth place, which could give them a place in the continental tournament if Cruzeiro or Fluminense win the knockout stage later.

The storm that stopped the previous match against Internacional for an hour and a half, returned again last night. This time, faster and more intense – and before the game. However, the stadium was packed, mainly due to Cruz Maltino’s right attacking line.

As the ball got rolling, the temperature wasn’t the highest either. Vasco had more possession of the ball and tried to intimidate by playing on the baseline. Once again, Andrés Gómez had great playing volume, but failed to make decisions.

On the other hand, Mirasol bet on counterattacks. When they managed to break the first line of pressure, Rafael Goanaes’ side used space intelligently to create chances to finish the match. He almost opened the scoring due to a mistake by Leo Jardim when he played: the ball hit Al-Najiba and almost bounced into the goal.

Vasco’s best chance of the first half came from Ryan, one of his dangerous, well-placed low shots, which Walter blocked on the edge of the post.

The first half remained tied, with long pauses for assistance on the field and many fouls called by the referee. Mirasol was frightened by a long shot from Renato Marquez.

Vasco came back better in the second stage. Coutinho and Gomez threatened Walter’s goal. But the moment changed after a scene that raised anxiety. In a dispute with Guilherme Márquez, Lucas Biton left the field crying from pain in his left knee, to make way for Puma Rodriguez. The left-back suffered a sprain and will undergo tests.

A few minutes later, Mirasol’s goal came. In a quick play down the right flank after winning the right midfield battle, Carlos Eduardo activated Renato Marquez, who entered diagonally and beat Cuesta’s marking to slot the ball into the corner.

The goal facilitated the strategy of the Sao Paulo team, which approached, occupied the penalty area and passed the ball to Vasco. Fernando Diniz’s team has managed to produce little in terms of personnel, even after the arrivals of Chi Chi, David and Vegeti. David even missed the best chance to equalize, after a cross from the right flank was well supported by Vegeté. The ball stopped at his feet facing the goal, so he kicked it out.

The lack of effectiveness was punished with another goal from Sao Paulo. In another lethal move in transition, Cristian found Carlos Eduardo, who rounded goalkeeper Leo Jardim to go wide.