In a disappointing display, Vasco da Gama suffered a heavy 3-0 defeat against Corinthians on Saturday, April 5, 2025, during the second round of the Campeonato Brasileiro at the Neo Química Arena. The match was marked by two disallowed goals for Corinthians, one due to a foul and the other for offside, which could have made the scoreline even worse for the struggling Vasco side.
The team, led by coach Fábio Carille, failed to find their rhythm on the pitch, resulting in a defensive performance that left much to be desired. The players seemed overwhelmed, particularly in the face of quick counterattacks from their opponents. João Victor, a defender who joined the club for over R$ 30 million, was at the center of criticism from fans and analysts alike for his role in the first two goals scored by Corinthians.
Social media was abuzz with discontent directed at João Victor, who was labeled as the main culprit for the defensive lapses. One frustrated fan quipped, "João Victor clearly is feeling the altitude of Itaquera," while another made light of the duo of Lucas Freitas and João Victor, referring to them as "Patati and Patata," suggesting a lack of coordination. The harshest comments came from those questioning the hefty price tag associated with the defender, with one user lamenting, "They paid over R$ 30 million for such a poor defender?"
Criticism didn't stop with João Victor; the entire team's collective performance was scrutinized. Analysts pointed out that Vasco's defensive transitions were alarmingly weak, allowing the likes of Yuri Alberto and Memphis Depay to exploit their speed and create scoring opportunities with ease. Edmundo, a former player and analyst, noted that the team appeared insecure on the field, stating, "There’s a lack of maturity in their play. They need to grow up quickly if they want to compete at this level."
Despite the individual failures, the match served as a wake-up call for the Vasco squad, who now must regroup and redirect their focus toward upcoming challenges. The team is set to face Puerto Cabello in the Copa Sul-Americana on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at Estádio São Januário, with kickoff scheduled for 21h30 (Brasília time). This match will be crucial for Vasco to regain some confidence after the heavy loss.
As they prepare for this next encounter, the players and coaching staff will have to address the glaring issues that were exposed against Corinthians. The fanbase is hopeful that the team can bounce back and deliver a more cohesive performance, particularly from key players like João Victor, who will need to shake off the criticism and prove his worth on the pitch.
In the aftermath of the defeat, the atmosphere among the supporters has been tense. Many are questioning the direction of the team under Carille's management, especially given the high expectations following their recent signings. The stakes are high as they head into the Copa Sul-Americana, where a strong showing could help restore faith among the fans.
As the countdown to the match against Puerto Cabello begins, the pressure is on for Vasco. They must not only secure a win but also demonstrate that they can learn from their mistakes. The upcoming clash will be a test of their resilience and determination to rise above the adversity they faced in the league.
With the Brazilian season still in its early stages, there is ample opportunity for Vasco to turn things around. However, they will need to address their defensive frailties and foster a stronger team chemistry to compete effectively. The fans are eager to see if the players can rise to the occasion and deliver a performance that reflects the club's rich history and ambition.
As the players take to the training ground in preparation for the match against Puerto Cabello, the focus will undoubtedly be on tightening the defense and improving communication on the field. With the support of their loyal fans, Vasco da Gama will be looking to turn the page and make a statement in the Copa Sul-Americana.
