In a standout performance, Rayan Vitor scored two crucial goals, steering Vasco da Gama to a narrow 4-3 triumph over Vitória during matchday 27, held on Sunday at São Januário Stadium. The home team saw goals from Nuno Moreira (6’), Rayan Vitor (52’, penalty, and 67’), and GB (52’). For the visitors, Aitor Cantalapiedra (25’), Lucas Halter (33’), and Raúl Cáceres (71’) found the net.
Aitor Cantalapiedra electrified the crowd with a stunning strike in the 25th minute, connecting perfectly with a cross from Erick, allowing him to finish from inside the box past goalkeeper Leonardo Jardim.
GB emerged as a key player in the match, further solidifying his status with a goal that contributed significantly to the win. Rayan Vitor also made his mark with a total of two goals, taking five shots on target throughout the match.
Vasco’s head coach, Fernando Diniz Silva, opted for a 4-3-3 formation, placing Léo Jardim in goal; Paulo Henrique, Hugo Moura, Robert Renan, and José Luis Rodríguez in defense; Tchê Tchê, Philippe Coutinho, and Cauan Barros in midfield; and Rayan Vitor, Pablo Vegetti, and Nuno Moreira leading the attack.
On the opposite side, Jair Ventura set his team up in a 5-4-1 formation, with Lucas Arcanjo guarding the net; Raúl Cáceres, Lucas Halter, Camutanga, Zé Marcos, and Maykon as defenders; Baralhas, Aitor Cantalapiedra, Ronald Lopes, and Erick in midfield; and Renato Kayzer at the front.
The match official for the encounter at São Januário was Fernando Mendes de Salles Nascimento Filho. Looking ahead, Vasco da Gama will face Fortaleza in their next outing, while Vitória will host Bahia in a heated classic, seeking redemption against their eternal rivals.
With this victory, Vasco da Gama now sits at 33 points, placed 10th in the league standings, while Vitória remains at 25 points, struggling in 17th position in the tournament.
Substitutions for Vasco da Gama
- 45’ 2T – José Luis Rodríguez out for Lucas Pitón; Pablo Vegetti out for Andres Gómez.
- 77’ 2T – Cauan Barros out for Matheus França.
- 89’ 2T – Tchê Tchê out for GB.
Yellow Cards for Vasco da Gama:
- 38’ 1T – Robert Renan (Unsporting behavior).
Substitutions for Vitória:
- 79’ 2T – Erick out for Claudinho; Aitor Cantalapiedra out for Osvaldo; Ronald Lopes out for Dudu; Nuno Moreira out for David.
- 87’ 2T – Renato Kayzer out for Romarinho.
- 92’ 2T – Camutanga out for Neris.
Yellow Cards for Vitória:
- 65’ 2T – Lucas Halter (Verbal abuse towards the referee); 67’ 2T – Zé Marcos (Verbal abuse towards the referee).
Red Card for Vitória:
- 69’ 2T – Lucas Halter (Second yellow card).