The knockout phase is cruel for Fluminense and exciting for Vasco, who wins

Now, Fernando Diniz’s team qualifies with a draw in the second match, while the tricolor must win with at least one goal difference to be able to decide on penalties.

Serna opened the scoring for the tricolors in the first stage and Rayan equalized in the second. The game was headed for a draw that would also be fair, until Pirata resurfaced. Introduced in the second half, Vegetti completed a cross from Andrés Gómez after a superb play from Rayan, who had the intelligence to take a free kick quickly after being brought down. Idol of the supporters, the Argentinian, who was going through a bad second half, collapsed with emotion on the pitch after the final whistle. He hadn’t scored since October, when he scored twice against Bragantino.

In the first 45 minutes, Fluminense applied effective pressure on Vasco’s pitch, combined with rapid ball circulation and movement in the middle. Lucho Acosta had the first big opportunity to score: he shot over after receiving a shot from Serna, at the edge of the area.

With no space to play, Vasco attempted long balls, aiming for Rayan’s first touch, without much success. After some insistence, Thiago Mendes found Puma on the left and saw the Uruguayan almost open the scoring with a recovery. But Thiago Silva pulled him back and Fábio cleared him for good.

Then what seemed like the best moment for Fernando Diniz’s team ended with a picturesque gesture. Everaldo was thrown deep, and Léo Jardim, poorly positioned, hesitated to return to goal. He ended up sharing the ball with the French striker, made the mistake and received a yellow card, in the face of protests from the Flu bench who demanded his expulsion.

From the free kick, a beautiful repeated play led Luis Zubeldía’s men to the first goal: Renê prepared for Thiago Silva, who prepared for Serna, from behind. The Colombian had time to dominate and hit Jardim’s corner, with a shot deflected by Gómez.

This goal made life easier for Flu, who started scoring in a mid/low block and closed the spaces allowing Vasco to triangulate in the middle. The Cruz-Maltino only managed to put themselves in danger when the Tricolores made mistakes in their own field.

Vasco improves in the second half

Vasco came back better after the break and scored on the first big chance he had. Andrés Gómez finally found space on the left and crossed into the area. Rayan scored in the net and equaled the five goals of Kaio Jorge (Cruzeiro), top scorer in the Brazilian Cup.

The Cruz-Maltino player even almost reversed the situation following a cross kick from Puma. Fábio made a superb save with his foot.

The teams traded chances to develop. Puma Rodríguez hit the post from a corner, while Vasco’s defense managed to prevent Paulo Henrique’s mess from turning into a goal for Keno, who replaced the injured Soteldo.

Over time, the teams’ momentum waned. The tricolor seemed more tired, and it was Cruz-Maltino who was still trying something. 1-1 seemed to be the fate of the match. But the knockout phase does not allow for mistakes. And he rewarded Rayan’s courage and quick thinking, in a move that ended with a Vegetti header. With 90 minutes to go, Vasco has the advantage.