Brasileiro | Gameweek 10

May 24, 2025 at 10.30pm UK

Estadio Jornalista Mario Filho

Fluminense vs Vasco

Match preview

On Wednesday, Fluminense secured their place in the quarter-finals of the Copa do Brasil when they thrashed Aparecidense 4-1 at the Arena BRB Mané Garrincha, completing a 5-1 aggregate victory over the Serie D team.

After securing a 1-0 victory in the second leg on 30 April, Fluminense found themselves behind shortly after the half-hour mark when Wellington Carvalho put the fourth-tier side ahead. However, strikes from Samuel Xavier, Everaldo and Ganso, as well as an own goal from Vanderly, killed off any hopes of a comeback from the hosts.

Prior to that, Renato Portaluppi's team secured a 2-0 victory against the Chilean team Unión Española in the Copa Libertadores. They are currently second in Group F with 10 points from five matches. Four days later, on 18 May, they salvaged a 1-1 draw against Juventude in the Serie A.

Fluminense will be looking to build on their cup victory as they return to league action, having failed to win four of their last five matches — losing twice and drawing twice — after winning the three preceding games.

This drop in form is due to their recent defensive struggles, with the Tricolor conceding eight goals in the last five games after keeping consecutive clean sheets against Santos and Corinthians in April.

Nevertheless, Fluminense will be confident of bouncing back this weekend as they return home, where they have won three games in a row and remain unbeaten in all competitions this season, having won six and drawn one of their seven games so far.

Meanwhile, Vasco da Gama needed a penalty shootout to secure their place in the Copa do Brasil quarter-finals, following a 1-1 draw with second-tier Operário Ferroviário Esporte Clube in the second leg of their third-round tie on Tuesday.

Having fought back from behind to salvage a 1-1 draw in the reverse fixture on 1 May, substitute Ademilson scored in the 93rd minute to cancel out Rayan's first-half strike at the São Januário Stadium and force penalties, which the hosts won 7-6.

This followed a 3-0 victory over Fortaleza in the Serie A on 17 May, when Pablo Vagetti's brace in the second half and Nuno Moreira's opener in the third minute helped Vasco end their run of nine consecutive games without a win, including four defeats in their last four matches across all competitions.

Fernando Diniz's team have won just three of their nine Serie A matches so far, losing five and drawing one to collect 10 points and sit 13th in the league standings — four points and six places behind this weekend's hosts.

Vasco will be looking to build on their success in the Copa do Brasil and secure a third consecutive win, but their recent away form offers little optimism, having failed to win any of their last nine away games, losing seven and drawing two since beating Nova Iguaçu in the Copa do Brasil on 6 March.

Recent Performance

Fluminense Brasileiro form:WDLWLD

Fluminense form (all competitions):WLLWDW

Vasco da Gama Brasileiro form:LDLLLW

Vasco da Gama form (all competitions):LLLLWW

Team News

Fluminense will have to manage without the services of 27-year-old midfielder Nonato, who is currently suspended after reaching the threshold for yellow cards with his booking against Aparecidense last time out.

In terms of injuries, Portaluppi will be unable to include the Uruguayan duo of Facundo Bernal and Agustin Canobbio, who have been ruled out due to thigh and head injuries respectively.

They are joined on the sidelines by German Cano, who is recovering from a knee injury, and 31-year-old midfielder Otavio, who has been out of action since sustaining an Achilles injury in March.

Meanwhile, Vasco da Gama will take to the pitch without Philippe Coutinho, who is suspended from the league after receiving a red card in the win against Fortaleza on 17 May.

David, Guilherme Estrella and veteran forward Dimitri Payet have all been ruled out with knee injuries, while 18-year-old Rayan is doubtful for the Gigante da Colina after sustaining an injury in the cup win over Operário last time out.

Possible starting lineup

Fluminense possible starting lineup:

Fabio; Xavier, Silva, Freytes, Fuentes; Martinelli, Hercules; Arias, Ganso, Serna; Everaldo

Vasco da Gama possible starting lineup:

Jardim; Henrique, Victor, Gustavo, Piton; Tche, Moura, Paula; Vitor, Vegetti, Moreira