In a highly anticipated clash, Vasco da Gama faced off against Sport Recife on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at 21h (Brasília time) in the historic São Januário stadium, marking the third round of the Campeonato Brasileiro 2025. Both teams entered the match under pressure, looking to improve their standing in the league.
Vasco, currently sitting in 11th place with 3 points from two matches, was eager to bounce back after a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Corinthians in their last league outing. However, they found some solace in a midweek victory, having secured a narrow 1-0 win over Puerto Cabello in the Copa Sul-Americana. Despite this win, the team faced criticism from their fans, with many expressing dissatisfaction over the team's performance. "I love the Vasco fans, but if we’re not united, things won’t work out. We train hard and dedicate ourselves a lot. Fábio is a coach who works very hard. The fans are impatient, which I understand, but if we’re not united, it won’t work out," said striker Vegetti in an interview with ESPN.
On the other side, Sport Recife was struggling in 18th place, having garnered only 1 point from their two matches so far. The team was looking for their first win of the season after suffering a 2-1 loss to Palmeiras in their previous match. Coach Pepa emphasized the importance of focusing on the upcoming challenge against Vasco, stating, "We are working hard for this game against Vasco. Playing away in Serie A is always tough, but we will approach it like any other match, trying to control the ball and propose the game. Everything to ensure it’s a good match. We’ve been training well this week to come in strong."
The rivalry between Vasco and Sport has a rich history, with the teams having met 33 times in official competitions. Of these encounters, Sport has claimed victory 8 times, while Vasco has won 15, with 10 matches ending in a draw. As both teams prepared for this crucial encounter, the stakes were high for both sides.
Vasco's lineup for the match featured several key players, including Philippe Coutinho, who had recovered from a recent scare regarding a muscle injury. Coutinho trained normally and was set to start against Sport, providing a significant boost to the team. Adson, who had also been a concern due to leg pain, was expected to be included in the squad but would likely start on the bench. The only confirmed absentee for Vasco was Maurício Lemos, who was sidelined due to injury. The probable starting eleven for Vasco included Léo Jardim; Paulo Henrique, Lucas Freitas, João Victor, and Lucas Piton; Paulinho (Tchê Tchê), Hugo Moura, and Philippe Coutinho; Garré, Nuno Moreira, and Vegetti.
Sport's lineup was also taking shape, with Caíque França in goal, supported by defenders Hereda, João Silva, Chico, and Igor Cariús. The midfield included Rivera, Du Queiroz, Sérgio Oliveira, and Lucas Lima, while Barletta and Pablo were expected to lead the attack. Notably, Sport had no confirmed absentees, which gave them a slight edge in terms of squad depth.
The match was set to be broadcast live on SporTV and Premiere, with additional coverage available through streaming services like Globoplay. Fans across Brazil were eager to tune in, with many hoping to see their teams secure vital points in the early stages of the season.
As the match approached, the atmosphere at São Januário was electric, with fans from both sides turning out to support their teams. Vasco fans were particularly vocal, hoping to see their team rise from the recent criticism and reclaim their spot in the league standings. Meanwhile, Sport's supporters were equally passionate, rallying behind their team in search of a much-needed victory.
With the referee Wilton Pereira Sampaio overseeing the match, the tension was palpable. The stakes were high, and both teams knew that a win could significantly impact their season's trajectory. As the players took to the pitch, the excitement was evident, and the stage was set for what promised to be a thrilling encounter.
In the context of the ongoing season, Vasco's performance in the Campeonato Brasileiro has been a mixed bag. They started with a loss to Flamengo in the Campeonato Carioca, followed by a draw against Melgar in the Sul-Americana, and then a win against Puerto Cabello. This inconsistency has left fans anxious for a stable run of form. Upcoming matches for Vasco include a critical fixture against Ceará on April 15, followed by a high-stakes clash against their fierce rivals Flamengo on April 19.
For Sport, the situation is equally pressing. With just one point on the board, they desperately need to find their rhythm to avoid being drawn into a relegation battle early in the season. Their upcoming fixtures will be crucial as they look to build momentum and confidence.
As the match unfolded, fans were treated to a display of skill and determination from both sides, with players leaving everything on the pitch. The competitive spirit was palpable, and both teams were clearly intent on securing a victory to bolster their standings in the league.
In conclusion, the clash between Vasco and Sport was more than just a regular season match; it was a battle for pride, points, and the momentum needed to propel each team forward in the Campeonato Brasileiro. With both teams eager to turn their fortunes around, fans were in for an exciting showdown at São Januário.
