Vasco da Gama faces already-relegated Chapecoense at the Arena Condá on Saturday at 8:30 PM Brasília time in a delayed 21st-round match of the Campeonato Brasileiro, as reported by [ge.globo.com].
The club from Rio de Janeiro enters the match in 13th place with 41 points after 33 games, holding a four-point cushion over Corinthians in the relegation zone, according to [ESPN Brasil].
Meanwhile, Chapecoense sits at the bottom of the table in 20th position with 21 points, having confirmed their drop to Série B following a defeat to Mirassol, as detailed by [UOL]. The match was originally scheduled for early October but was postponed due to Vasco’s participation in the Copa Sudamericana, the [Federação Catarinense de Futebol] reported.
Chapecoense initiated a major squad overhaul after confirming their relegation, parting ways with head coach Rafael Lacerda—who left to take charge of Vitória—along with players Bolasie, Bruno Matias, Rafael Thyere, and Dudu, [ESPN Brasil] reported. Assistant coach Rodrigo Chipp takes charge from the dugout while newly appointed manager Vinícius Bergantin watches from the stands, according to UOL. The hosts are also missing the suspended Eduardo Doma and injured forward Garcez, [ESPN Brasil] noted.
Vasco travels without four key midfielders due to injuries and physical issues: Thiago Mendes is sidelined with dorsalgia, Nuno Moreira deals with a right adductor thigh discomfort, Santiago Sosa nurses a left adductor issue, and Tchê underwent a non-surgical procedure for right leg tendinopathy, as reported by [Gazeta Esportiva]. However, central defender Alan Saldivia returns from suspension to reclaim his spot in the starting lineup, [UOL] reported.
The fixture will be broadcast live on pay-per-view via Premiere, with real-time coverage provided by ESPN Brasil, according to [ge.globo.com].
Rodrigo José Pereira de Lima from Pernambuco will referee the match, assisted by line judges Brigida Cirilo Ferreira and Schumacher Marques Gomes, with Gilberto Rodrigues Castro Jr. operating the VAR. [ESPN Brasil] reported.
A victory for Vasco would extend their advantage over the relegation zone to seven points with four matches remaining in the season, [Gazeta Esportiva] reported.