Fluminense vs Vasco da Gama

Fluminense edged past Vasco 1-0 at the Maracanã in a tense Serie A derby that swung entirely on one moment off the bench. Vasco started the brighter side, dominating early exchanges, but couldn't turn control into goals. The visitors' best chance of the first half came in the 16th minute, when Thiago Mendes pounced on a poor clearance from Ignácio and forced a save out of goalkeeper Renê. Fluminense grew into the game after the break, and just 15 minutes into the second half substitute Lucho Acosta struck on his very first touch, turning home a low cross from Soteldo on the left. Hulk also went close for the hosts, denied by Vasco keeper Léo Jardim, while several players on both sides picked up yellow cards in a physical contest. The win keeps Fluminense unbeaten in seven and back in the top four, tightening the race for Libertadores places. For Vasco, it's another damaging setback that leaves them mired in the relegation zone, with the positive performance offering little consolation.