Fluminense vs Vasco da Gama

Fluminense host Vasco at the Maracanã in a Rio derby that carries real weight for both sides. Fluminense sit fourth in the Brasileirão and are pushing hard for a Copa Libertadores spot next season, while Vasco, already through to the Copa do Brasil semifinals, are still scrapping to climb out of the relegation zone. Form tells an odd story: the hosts are unbeaten since May but have leaked results lately, including a wild 3-3 draw with Athletico-PR. Vasco, meanwhile, have had Fluminense's number in 2026, beating them twice already, including a 3-1 win at this very stadium in the Copa do Brasil. Hulk and Canobbio carry Fluminense's attacking threat, with Ganso pulling strings in midfield and Thiago Silva back marshaling the defense. Vasco lean on Andrés Gómez and Colidio up front, while Robert Renan returns from suspension alongside Cuesta at the back; Mateus Carvalho is out injured. Our prediction: 2-1