In an electrifying start to the 2025 Campeonato Brasileiro Série A, Vasco da Gama clinched a thrilling 2-1 comeback victory over Santos FC on Sunday, March 30, at the iconic São Januário Stadium. With a crowd of 19,550 fans in attendance, the match was broadcast live on Record TV, CazéTV (YouTube), and Premiere, setting the stage for an unforgettable evening of Brazilian football.
The game kicked off with Santos looking to assert their dominance early on, and they did just that. At the 20-minute mark, Barreal, making his debut in the Santos midfield, opened the scoring with a stunning goal. After a misplayed pass from Vasco's Paulinho, Tiquinho Soares seized the opportunity, launching a precise ball to Barreal. The Argentine midfielder displayed exceptional skill, deftly lifting the ball over goalkeeper Léo Jardim to give Santos a 1-0 lead.
Despite the early setback, Vasco managed to regroup, though they struggled to create clear chances in the first half. Philippe Coutinho, heavily marked by Santos defenders, found it difficult to influence the game. Vasco's best opportunity to equalize came in the 28th minute when Nuno Moreira broke free on the right side and attempted to chip the ball over goalkeeper Brazão, but the Santos keeper made a crucial save to maintain his team's lead.
As the second half commenced, Vasco emerged with renewed vigor and determination. The turning point came just seven minutes into the half. Hugo Moura executed a beautiful cross-field pass to Lucas Piton, who delivered a precise cross into the box. There, Nuno Moreira was perfectly positioned to head the ball into the net, leveling the score at 1-1.
With the momentum on their side, Vasco continued to press for the lead. Santos, while still dangerous on the counterattack, began to feel the pressure. In a critical moment, Rollheiser’s quick pass found Guilherme, who unleashed a shot that was brilliantly saved by Léo Jardim. The rebound fell to Bontempo, but his attempt was thwarted by Vasco's Mauricio Lemos, keeping the score level.
Vasco's head coach made a pivotal substitution, bringing on Dimitri Payet for Coutinho. The change proved to be a masterstroke. In the 32nd minute, Payet orchestrated a well-executed set piece that found Vegetti unmarked in the box. The striker, with a powerful header, sent the ball crashing into the net, securing a 2-1 lead for Vasco and sending the home fans into a frenzy.
The victory was especially sweet for Vasco, as they sought to bounce back from a disappointing run in the Campeonato Carioca, where they had faced several challenges. This win not only marked a successful start to their Brasileiro campaign but also equalized their historical record against Santos, with both teams now boasting 46 wins each in their 105 encounters, alongside 38 draws.
Meanwhile, Santos faced a harsh reality check. After a promising start, they failed to maintain their advantage and must now reassess their strategy moving forward. The absence of star player Neymar, who is still recovering from an injury, was felt deeply, and the team will be eager to adjust their tactics ahead of their next match.
Looking ahead, Vasco will face a challenging encounter against Corinthians on Saturday, April 5, at 18:30 in São Paulo. Santos, on the other hand, will return home to host Bahia on Sunday, April 6, at 20:30 in Santos. Both teams will be keen to capitalize on their respective upcoming fixtures to build momentum in the league.
This opening match of the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A has set the tone for an exciting season ahead, with both teams showcasing their potential and areas for improvement. Fans can expect more thrilling encounters as the league progresses, and the rivalry between Vasco and Santos continues to heat up.
