In a thrilling season opener at São Januário, Vasco da Gama turned the tables on Santos, clinching a 2-1 victory in the first round of the Brasileirão on Sunday, March 30, 2025. The match saw a dramatic comeback from the home team, with Nuno Moreira and the ever-reliable Vegetti scoring for Vasco, while Barreal managed to put Santos on the scoreboard.
The game kicked off with a vibrant atmosphere as over 14,000 fans filled the stands, eager to see their team in action after a lengthy break. Vasco hadn't played in 28 days, following a tough 2-1 loss to Flamengo in the Carioca semifinal. The anticipation in the air was palpable, and the home crowd was treated to an exciting display of football.
Initially, it was Santos who drew first blood. A well-executed play led to Tiquinho Soares stealing the ball and assisting Barreal, who skillfully lobbed the ball over Vasco’s goalkeeper Léo Jardim to open the scoring in the 21st minute. The Santos fans erupted, and it looked like the visitors were set to dominate.
However, Vasco was not to be outdone on their home turf. As the first half progressed, the Cruzmaltino began to find their rhythm, pushing back against Santos' advances. Despite their efforts, they went into halftime trailing 1-0, met with boos from the home support, who expected more from their team.
After the break, the tide turned dramatically. Vasco came out with renewed energy, and it wasn't long before they found the equalizer. In the 58th minute, a cross from the left found Vegetti, who headed the ball down for Nuno Moreira to finish from close range, leveling the score at 1-1. The stadium erupted in cheers as the home side celebrated their comeback.
With the momentum shifting, Vasco continued to press, and their efforts paid off in the 78th minute. A precise free kick taken by Payet found Vegetti in the box, who rose above the defenders to head the ball into the net, giving Vasco a 2-1 lead. Vegetti's goal not only secured the win but also showcased the impact of Payet, who had entered the game in the second half.
After the match, Vegetti praised Payet's contribution, saying, "Payet is a craque. When he comes in, he makes a difference. We have a qualified team with him and Coutinho. A player like him who can decide the game is someone we always want to count on." His enthusiasm reflected the team's spirit and determination to start the season on a high note.
Vasco's head coach, Fábio Carille, also expressed his satisfaction with the team's resilience. Despite a shaky start, the players showed character and tenacity to turn the match around, a promising sign as they prepare for their upcoming international fixture against Melgar in Peru on April 2, 2025.
Meanwhile, Santos, coached by Pedro Caixinha, will look to bounce back when they face Bahia at Vila Belmiro on April 6, 2025. The absence of key players like Neymar and Soteldo due to injuries has been a setback for the Peixe, but they remain hopeful for a better showing in their next match.
The match was officiated by Rafael Rodrigo Klein, with assistants Rafael da Silva Alves and Michael Stanislau, and VAR managed by Rafael Traci. The refereeing team had a relatively uneventful game, with only a few yellow cards handed out, including one to Vasco's Lucas Piton for a foul on Rollheiser.
As the players left the pitch, the atmosphere in São Januário was electric, with fans applauding their team for a spirited comeback. The victory not only marked a successful start to the Brasileirão for Vasco but also set the tone for what promises to be an exciting season ahead.
With a mix of seasoned players and promising newcomers, Vasco is looking to build on this momentum. Vegetti emphasized the importance of the victory, stating, "Starting with a win at home is crucial. We have a big year ahead with many games, and we need to respond well in the international tournament." The players' confidence is high, and they are eager to carry this victory into their next challenges.
As fans look forward to the next game, the anticipation builds. Will Vasco continue their winning streak, or will Santos find a way to rebound? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the Brasileirão is off to an exhilarating start.
