Vasco’s 21 shots deliver a 3-1 win over Cruzeiro

Vasco take control early

Vasco DA Gama defeated Cruzeiro 3-1 at Estádio São Januário to claim a Serie A victory on Sunday, August 30. Tchê Tchê opened the scoring in the 33rd minute, giving Vasco a 1-0 lead at half-time after a first period in which the hosts created the more dangerous opportunities.

The opening goal was the reward for Vasco’s pressure, although the match was not defined by possession. Cruzeiro had 54% of the ball and completed 459 passes at an 85% accuracy rate, compared with Vasco’s 46% possession, 379 passes and 80% accuracy. Vasco were considerably more direct and productive near goal, however, registering 21 total shots to Cruzeiro’s nine and 17 attempts from inside the box compared with three.

Vasco extend their advantage

Vasco doubled their lead 10 minutes after the restart. Lucas Piton supplied the assist for Lucas Freitas, who scored in the 55th minute to put the hosts 2-0 ahead. The result reflected the difference in attacking output, with Vasco recording nine shots on target, 11 corners and an expected-goals figure of 3.24. Cruzeiro managed five shots on target, two corners and an expected-goals figure of just 0.26.

Cruzeiro made two changes in the 62nd minute, bringing Matheus Pereira on for L. Rodriguez and Wesley on for J. Costa. Vasco later introduced J. Rodriguez for Adson in the 70th minute before making a further double substitution in the 79th: Cauan Barros replaced S. Sosa and David came on for F. Colidio. Cruzeiro also sent Felipe Morais on for Kenji at that stage.

Late goals complete the scoreline

David added Vasco’s third goal in the 90th minute, with Ramon Rique providing the assist after coming on for the closing stages. Cruzeiro responded in the same minute when Felipe Morais scored from a Matheus Pereira assist, but the goal only reduced the margin to 3-1.

The disciplinary incidents were limited. Cruzeiro’s Joao Marcelo was booked in the 24th minute, Adson received Vasco’s yellow card three minutes later, and Lucas Freitas was cautioned in the 90th minute. Vasco’s goalkeeper made five saves, while Cruzeiro’s goalkeeper made seven despite the hosts’ attacking dominance.

Table impact and standout display

The win moves Vasco’s match result into a difficult league context but gives the 19th-ranked side three points after entering the fixture with two consecutive losses in their most recent form. They are listed with 22 points from 23 games. Cruzeiro, ranked fifth with 39 points from 24 matches before the result, suffered a third straight loss in their listed recent sequence.

Lucas Piton was the standout performer, receiving a match rating of 9.5. He supplied one assist and created five key passes in a commanding contribution as Vasco converted their territorial and chance-creation advantage into a 3-1 win.