In a repeat of the 2025 Copa do Brasil final, Corinthians and Vasco met this Sunday (26), at the Neo Química Arena, in a match valid for the 13th round of the Brasileirão. Needing the three points for different reasons, it was the home team who won 1-0. The only goal was scored by Matheus Bidu, in the first half.
The triumph marks Fernando Diniz’s good phase in charge of the São Paulo team. Now there are six games without knowing what it’s like to lose or concede goals (four wins and two draws). Corinthians desperately needed the victory, as only then would they get out of the relegation zone – they are now in 14th place. On the Vasco side, the Rio club lost the opportunity to be at the forefront of the championship.
At 28º on the thermometers, Corinthians and Vasco had a hot first half in Itaquera. The first stage was marked by many cards and high chances, especially from the home team. However, it was on the ground, through a beautiful play by Fernando Diniz’s team, that the zero came off the scoreboard.
Corinthians dominated the midfield, with a good performance from Raniele. Vasco barely – or nothing – threatened goalkeeper Kauê, with the exception of a shot by David, which was launched by Robert Renan and came face to face with the Corinthians archer.
Speaking of players who play with their hands, Léo Jardim had a lot of work to do on Goalkeeper Day. In the 12th minute, defender Gustavo Henrique tested the archer with two consecutive headers from corner kicks. Other opportunities also arose with Vitinho and Raniele, but it was Matheus Bidu who scored for the home team.
In the 37th minute, Matheus Bidu took the score off after a beautiful move by Corinthians. After a beautiful ball touch from Vitinho and Garro, the number 8 found a beautiful heel pass to the left-back inside the area. The Corinthians defender dominated and, standing non-dominantly, bulged Léo Jardim’s net.
When the lights went out in the first half, André was sent off with a straight red card after a violent and unnecessary tackle on Thiago Mendes. And even in the home team’s attacking field. Nine minutes were added to the first half.
Upon returning to the changing rooms, aiming to take advantage of the numerical superiority, Renato Gaúcho made changes. And, in fact, Vasco improved in the match. He started to have more volume and raised some balls in the Kauê area.
Corinthians, who were the owners of the first half, started to have less possession of the ball and saw Vasco threaten more. The home team was left to focus on specific plays, without major build-ups or passing changes. Renato Gaúcho moved a few more times during the second half to explore plays on the flanks, even though these were well annulled by the Corinthians defense.
Led by Adson, ex-Corinthians, who started very well, Vasco increased the pressure on goalkeeper Kauê even more, who even lost possession of the ball due to delay in the throw-in. Of Yuri Alberto’s few opportunities in the game, the number 9 missed the chance to expand in the 40th minute, but the ball fell on his bad foot and the goalscorer ended up sending it into the stands.
Diniz also replaced Bidon and Bidu, who crawled off the field, Matheus Pereira and Angileri entered, respectively. The changes had no effect and Vasco continued to attack. Eight minutes were added (which became almost ten), but they were not enough for the Cariocas to leave the field with a draw.
Diniz’s Corinthians now turn their attention to the Libertadores. The team faces Peñarol on Thursday (30), at 9pm (Brasília time), also at the Neo Química Arena. On the same day, Vasco hosts Olímpia at 7 pm in the South American competition.
