Sabasports Match Preview
Copa do Brasil: Botafogo FR vs Vasco da Gama
Kickoff Time: 2025-09-12 08:30 (HKT)
Source: REUTERS/Cristina Vega
In 2024, Botafogo FR achieved a historic double by winning the Copa Libertadores and the Brazilian Serie A. However, this season, with the departure of several key players, the team’s strength has declined. They currently sit fifth in the league, trailing leaders Flamengo by eight points, effectively ending their hopes of defending the title. In the Copa Libertadores, they were eliminated by Ecuadorian powerhouse LDU de Quito, failing to advance to the quarterfinals. As a result, winning the Copa do Brasil has become the team’s primary goal for the season. During the summer transfer window, Botafogo invested a total of €49.2 million to strengthen the squad, signing Inter forward Joaquin Correa, former Barcelona goalkeeper Norbeto Murara Neto, Benfica striker Arthur Cabral, and Nottingham Forest defensive midfielder Danilo dos Santos. Among them, Cabral has already integrated into the team’s tactics, contributing three goals and two assists in the league. In the first leg, it was Cabral’s goal that initially gave Botafogo the lead.
In the 2022 season, Vasco da Gama earned promotion to the Brazilian Serei A by finishing fourth in the Serie B. Over the past two seasons, despite increasing investments, the team’s performance has been underwhelming. This season, Vasco da Gama sits in 15th place with a record of six wins, four draws, and 11 losses, level on points with the relegation zone, facing immense pressure to avoid the drop. Currently, the most notable star in the team is Philippe Coutinho, who previously played for Liverpool. Unfortunately, he has lost much of his former brilliance, managing only three goals and one assist in 15 league appearances since joining. In contrast, 36-year-old veteran Pablo Vegetti has enjoyed a resurgence this season, contributing 12 goals and one assist in the league. In three days, the team will host Ceara, who is four points above them. Given the relegation pressure in the league, Vasco da Gama is expected to rotate their squad for this match.
Since 2000, Botafogo has never won the Copa do Brasil, with their best performance being a semifinal appearance. Now, with their hopes of winning the domestic league and continental cup dashed, the team is determined to make a breakthrough in the Copa do Brasil. On the other hand, Vasco da Gama, burdened by relegation concerns, is likely to field a rotated lineup. Given the disparity in motivation between the two teams, Botafogo is expected to seize the opportunity to secure a victory at home.
Botafogo FR’s Last 5 Games: XXXXX
25-08-31 Botafogo FR 4-1 RB Bragantino
25-08-28 Vasco da Gama 1-1 Botafogo FR
25-08-25 Juventude 1-3 Botafogo FR
25-08-22 LDU de Quito 2-0 Botafogo FR
25-08-18 Botafogo FR 0-1 Palmeiras
Vasco da Gama’s Last 5 Games: WDLLW
25-09-01 Sport Recife 2-3 Vasco da Gama
25-08-28 Vasco da Gama 1-1 Botafogo FR
25-08-26 Vasco da Gama 2-3 Corinthians
25-08-21 Juventude 2-0 Vasco da Gama
25-08-18 Santos FC 0-6 Vasco da Gama
Head-To-Head Record
25-08-28 Vasco da Gama 1-1 Botafogo FR
25-07-13 Vasco da Gama 0-2 Botafogo FR
25-02-24 Vasco da Gama 1-0 Botafogo FR
24-11-06 Botafogo FR 3-0 Vasco da Gama
24-06-30 Vasco da Gama 1-1 Botafogo FR
Prediction: Botafogo FR to win