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Fluminense x Vasco decide place in the quarterfinals of the Copa do Brasil

Maracanã hosts, this Wednesday (5), another chapter in the rivalry between Fluminense and Vasco. The teams face each other at 9:30 pm, in the second leg of the round of 16 of the Copa do Brasil, with the place in the...

Fluminense x Vasco decide place in the quarterfinals of the Copa do Brasil
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Maracanã hosts, this Wednesday (5), another chapter in the rivalry between Fluminense and Vasco. The teams face each other at 9:30 pm, in the second leg of the round of 16 of the Copa do Brasil, with the place in the quarterfinals still open.

The first clash, played last Saturday, ended in a 0-0 draw. Despite the lack of goals, both teams created opportunities and maintained the final 90 minutes.

What do Fluminense and Vasco need to advance?

Whoever wins in normal time guarantees classification. In the event of a new draw, regardless of the score, the place will be determined by penalty kicks.

Recent retrospect reinforces the balance of the classic. In the last 11 meetings, Fluminense has won five victories, against Vasco's four, as well as two draws.

In general history, the advantage is Cruzmaltina. In 401 matches, Vasco won 158 times, Fluminense triumphed on 126 occasions and another 117 clashes ended in a draw.

Fluminense tries to end winless streak

Fluminense arrives under pressure due to the results obtained since the resumption of the national calendar after the World Cup. The team has not yet won in this period and has accumulated four matches without a win.

The sequence increased the demand from the fans and made the classification even more important for the team's recovery during the season.

Coach Luís Zubeldía must maintain the formation used in the first classic. The main bet is on the defensive solidity shown in the 0-0 draw.

Savarino, John Kennedy and Canobbio should form the attack, while Hulk tends to start again on the bench.

Who should play in Fluminense's defense?

Igor Rabello and Ignacio should remain among the starters. Recovered from an injury to the adductor of his right thigh, Jemmes should remain as an option on the bench.

Rodrigo Castillo also returned to training after recovering from pain in the adductor of his left thigh and could be related.

The technical committee, however, continues to suffer important casualties. Thiago Silva, Juan Freytes and Jullián Millán remain in the medical department and are out of the match.

Zubeldía demands efficiency in the classic

The Fluminense coach highlighted that matches between rivals require a different attitude and demanded greater use of opportunities.

"Classics are played differently. It's not just for the Brazilian Cup. I come from Argentina and I know what classics are. You have to know how to play and overcome limits on the field. It's a game that is played with a lot of passion", he stated.

Zubeldía also assessed that Fluminense could have won the first duel.

"We need to be more effective in this situation. We could have won. It's 180 minutes, and the first stage is equal", he added.

Vasco seeks affirmation under the command of Pedro Emanuel

For Vasco, the classification can strengthen the beginning of Pedro Emanuel's work. Hired after the World Cup break to replace Renato Gaúcho, the Portuguese coach has one win, three draws and one defeat in five matches.

Eliminating the rival would represent an important boost for the team and increase confidence in the work of the new coaching staff.

Thiago Mendes returns to Vasco

Vasco will have the return of Thiago Mendes, who was suspended and should take over Tchê Tchê's place in midfield.

The tendency is for the midfielder to play alongside Jair. Recovered from a long injury, the player received an opportunity in the first classic and ended the match as one of the team's highlights.

Jhojan Rojas could also appear among the starters. The Colombian competes for Ramon Rique's place, who gained space with Pedro Emanuel, but performed below expectations in the first game.

Adson, Spinelli and Andrés Gómez should make up the offensive sector.

Cuiabano and Lucas Piton compete for a place on the side

Vasco's main doubt is on the left flank. Cuiabano had been performing well before the break, but has lost regularity since the season resumed.

Lucas Piton is also not going through his best phase, but he could receive an opportunity given his competitor's drop in performance.

Pedro Emanuel values Vasco's competitiveness

After the first clash, the Portuguese coach stated that he was satisfied with the team's attitude, although he regretted the lack of victory.

"I left with a feeling of pride. We were extremely competitive. It was a classic at Maracanã, my debut at the stadium, and I am satisfied with the team's attitude", he declared.

Pedro Emanuel treated the draw as a natural result for the first half of the match.

"We want more, we can do more and we will do more, but it's a good indicator. I'm just not 100% satisfied because we didn't win. We played the first battle, the first 90 minutes of 180, and reaching a 0-0 draw is perfectly natural at this point in the tie", he concluded.

TECHNICAL SHEET

FLUMINENSE

FLUMINENSE - Fábio; Guga, Ignacio, Igor Rabello and Guilherme Arana; Hércules, Martinelli and Lucho Acosta; Savarino, John Kennedy and Canobbio. Coach: Luís Zubeldía.

VASCO - Léo Jardim; Paulo Henrique, Carlos Cuesta, Robert Renan and Cuiabano (Lucas Piton); Thiago Mendes, Jair and Jhojan Rojas; Adson, Cláudio Spinelli and Andrés Gómez. Coach: Pedro Emanuel.

REFEREE - Wilton Pereira Sampaio (GO).

TIME - 9:30 pm.

LOCATION - Maracanã, in Rio de Janeiro (RJ).

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Source: Noticias ao Minuto

This story was originally published by Noticias ao Minuto. Visit the original publication for further details.

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