Vasco da Gama came from behind to defeat Fluminense 2-1 on Thursday evening (11) at the Maracanã in the first leg of the Copa do Brasil semifinal. With goals from Rayan and Vegetti, the Cruzmaltino side secured the advantage of a draw in the return leg. Fluminense, who led through Serna, now needs a two-goal win to advance.
The first leg of the Copa do Brasil semifinal between Vasco and Fluminense, played at the Maracanã on December 11, 2025, ended with a 2-1 victory for the Cruzmaltino side. Fluminense took the lead in the first half, moments after a foul just outside the box. Renê chipped a cross, Thiago Silva headed it back, and Kevin Serna finished with his right foot, the ball squeezing between Andrés Gómez's legs into the corner of Léo Jardim's goal.
Vasco pushed early in the second half and equalized at the fourth minute. Andrés Gómez delivered a low cross from the left, Nuno Moreira deflected it, and Rayan smashed home powerfully, leaving Fábio with no chance. The match stayed open, with Vasco growing in confidence and creating more chances. At the 24th minute, Puma Rodríguez headed against the post.
The turnaround came in added time, as Vegetti rose highest over the Tricolor defense to head in and seal the 2-1 scoreline. It was the fourth meeting between the rivals this season, with two wins apiece: one each in the Brazilian Championship and the state tournament for Fluminense.
After the match, Vegetti, who hadn't scored since October 26, vented: "I am a fighter. I fight hard for this shirt. With my life and my heart. I want to always defend this shirt in the best way. I'm in a difficult moment, not playing much. For me, it's always Vasco first."
Vasco now holds the draw advantage for the return leg on Sunday (14) at 8:30 PM in the Maracanã, with Fluminense as the home side. A single-goal Flu win forces penalties; a two-goal or greater margin advances them directly. In the other semifinal, Corinthians beat Cruzeiro 1-0 with a goal from Memphis Depay and will play for a draw in the return at Itaquera.
