Author: Serg Atrakhov, Vishwajit Sawant
Vasco – Atlético-MG – 1:0
In a thrilling encounter at the Maracanã, Vasco secured a significant victory against Atlético-MG with a final score of 1-0 during the 20th round of the Campeonato Brasileiro. The match got off to a lively start, with striker Serginho scoring for Vasco in the fourth minute. In the 13th minute, Pablo Vegetti should have increased Vasco’s lead, but after a cross from the edge of the box, he hit the crossbar with his head.
The main danger for the visitors came from Hulk. In the first half, he hit a header that went just wide of the post. Immediately after the break (47 minutes), Leo Jardim managed to deflect Hulk’s shot under the crossbar. The goalkeeper showed a good reaction in the 64th minute, when Hulk sent the ball into the left corner from a free-kick. Despite the torrential rain and their tireless efforts, Atlético were unable to break through Vasco’s defense. Atlético’s last chance to equalize also came through Hulk. In the 95th minute, he took a free-kick, but the barrier blocked the ball from flying in.
This victory solidifies Vasco’s good run in the league, leaving the fans excited and hopeful for next season.
Bahia – Bragantino – 4:0
A resounding triumph came at Fonte Nova, when Bahia put in a dominant performance to secure an imposing 4-0 win against Red Bull Bragantino during the 20th round of the Brazilian Championship. For the first time in the tournament, Bahia had two consecutive home wins, a testament to their unwavering determination. The match showed Bahia’s prowess under the guidance of coach Renato Paiva, with an exceptional display from start to finish.
Rezende and Vitor Hugo scored in the first half, setting the tone for the relentless attack. In the final stage, Vinicius Mingotti and Cauly sealed the win, underlining Bahia’s formidable attacking ability. In addition to these goals, at the end of the first half Vinicius Mingotti scored from outside the box and in the 69th minute Tasiano hit the post.
With the result, Bahia reached 21 points, strengthening their fight against relegation and maintaining 16th place. Meanwhile, Bragantino, now in sixth place, are recovering for the clash against Cuiabá, while Bahia are preparing to challenge leaders Botafogo in Rio de Janeiro next Sunday.
Coritiba – Flamengo – 2:3
A thrilling game at Couto Pereira witnessed Flamengo’s triumphant resurgence, as they secured a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Coritiba on matchday 20 of the Campeonato Brasileiro. The match featured a number of dramatic moments, with penalties playing a crucial role. In the 14th minute, Filipe Luís committed a hard foul, which resulted in a penalty for Flamengo. Matheus Cunha failed to save Robson’s shot – 1:0
Four minutes later, Moreno committed a similar foul, and it was the visitors’ turn to score from the penalty spot. In the “duel of two Gabriels”, Flamengo won 1-1. In the 30th minute, he could have scored twice, but hit the crossbar. A minute later, Victor Hugo disputed the ball over the top, shooting past Arrascaeta – 1-2.
At the start of the second half, Bruno failed to stop a very simple serve from the left side, deflecting the ball with his foot. This disoriented the goalkeeper and Filipe Luís, who couldn’t prevent Edu from closing the door – 2:2.
In the 95th minute, no one prevented Gerson from picking up the ball and shooting at goal from 25 meters. Yes, the shot turned out to be very accurate, but that doesn’t take the blame away from the defenders and the goalkeeper, who were unprepared – 2-3. The win brought Flamengo back into form after two games without a win, and lifted them up to third place with 35 points. Despite Coritiba’s valiant efforts, they remain in the relegation zone, while Bahia remain out of it.
Santos – Grêmio – 2:1
In a fervent atmosphere at the Vila Belmiro, Santos got their winning streak back on track in the Campeonato Brasileiro with a 2-1 victory over Gremio on matchday 20. Grêmio needed a win to improve the mood of their fans after their elimination in the semi-finals of the Copa do Brasil. But Santos also needed three points to get out of the relegation zone. After a goalless first half, the visitors took the lead in the 47th minute. Franco Cristaldo turned the ball into the ‘nine’ on the right – 0:1.
However, Santos recovered, led by the brilliance of Soteldo, who came off the bench to provide two crucial assists. In the 63rd minute, Marcos Leonardo scored with a low shot into the right corner of the goal – 1:1. It looked like the game would end in a draw, but in the 92nd minute, Soteldo ran out to counter-attack. Seeing his teammate, he gave Julio Furch a counter pass – 2:1.
The match had been difficult up to that point (the teams had received three yellow cards), but after the goal, nerves couldn’t take it. The players got into a fight. As a result, the Santos players received four yellow cards and the Gremio players received three. At the same time, Reinaldo was sent off for the second time. The visitors’ coach was also sent off – Renato Portaluppi received a straight red for excessive violence. The result dropped Santos to 17th place with 21 points, very close to the relegation zone. Gremio’s drop in the standings puts them in fifth place with 33 points.