Author: Serg Atrakhov, Vishwajit Sawant
América MG – Vasco – 0:1
In a dramatic turnaround, Vasco da Gama secured an important 1-0 victory over América-MG, lifting them out of the relegation zone of the Brazilian Championship after four long months. The match, originally scheduled for the 15th round of the tournament, took place at Independência in Belo Horizonte.
In the 32nd minute, Juninho hit the post. The ball fell to Martinez, who shot, but Jardim saved. Two minutes later, Vasco’s goalkeeper shone once again, saving Varanda’s shot. In first-half injury time, Iago Maidana received a red card, leaving América in the minority.
However, for most of the second half, the visitors’ numerical advantage wasn’t very noticeable. Towards the end of the game, Pablo Vegetti missed two chances to open the scoring, hitting the post with a header in the 89th minute.
In the 91st minute, Paulinho played a free-kick into the box for Jair – 0-1. Joseva could have equalized in the 94th minute, but Pedrinho’s header from a cross from the edge of the box was no problem for the goalkeeper.
With this win, Vasco now have three consecutive victories and a total of 26 points, catapulting them to 15th place in the league standings and ensuring their escape from the dreaded relegation zone. This remarkable turnaround comes after Vasco had been at the bottom of the table since matchday seven.
On the other hand, América-MG’s situation remains precarious, as they find themselves in penultimate place in the standings, with just 17 points.
América-MG return to the field next Sunday to face Cruzeiro at Mineirão, in Belo Horizonte, in the 26th round of the Serie A season. Vasco, meanwhile, travel to São Paulo to face Santos at Vila Belmiro, also in the 26th round of the Brasileirão.