Vasco da Gama vs Mirassol — Match Preview
The Estádio São Januário opens its gates for a fascinating midweek clash as Vasco da Gama host the season’s surprise package, Mirassol. This Round 37 fixture pits two teams with vastly different narratives. Vasco, currently 10th, are coming off a volatile run of form—losing to Bahia and Grêmio but smashing Internacional 5-1 in a stunning display of attacking power. They are fighting to secure a Copa Sudamericana spot and end the season on a high in front of their passionate fans.
Mirassol, sitting remarkably in 4th place with 63 points, are chasing a historic direct qualification to the Copa Libertadores. The “Leão” has defied all odds in their debut Série A campaign. However, their recent away form has been shaky, including a 2-0 loss to Vitória. With only two rounds left, a win here could seal their top-4 status. Expect a tense battle between Vasco’s home intensity and Mirassol’s tactical discipline.
Vasco da Gama vs Mirassol — Quick Match Info
- Fixture: Vasco da Gama vs Mirassol
- Competition: Brasileirão Série A 2025 (Round 37)
- Venue: Estádio São Januário, Rio de Janeiro (Capacity: 21,880)
- Date: Tuesday, 2 December 2025
- Kickoff Time: 19:00 Local / 22:00 UTC / 03:30 IST (Wednesday)
- Referee: Paulo Zanovelli
- VAR: TBC
- TV Channel (Brazil): Premiere, SporTV
- TV Channel (International): Fanatiz, Brasileirão Play, Paramount+ (USA)
- Live Stream: Fanatiz, JioStar (India)
Vasco da Gama vs Mirassol — Match Context (2025 Season)
Vasco da Gama:
- Position: 10th in Série A (45 Points).
- Form: Volatile. Their last 5 games read: W-L-L-L-L. The 5-1 victory over Internacional was a shock anomaly in a run of four straight defeats.
- Current Challenge: Consistency. Can they replicate the energy from the Inter win, or will they revert to the fragile side that lost to Bahia and Botafogo?
- Home Factor: São Januário is a cauldron. Vasco usually performs significantly better here than away.
Mirassol:
- Position: 4th in Série A (63 Points).
- Form: Mixed. L-W-D-W-L in the last 5. They beat Ceará 3-0 but lost to Vitória and Fluminense away.
- Current Challenge: Away nerves. They are on the brink of history (Libertadores G4), but the pressure is mounting. They need to avoid defeat to keep teams like Botafogo or Bahia at bay.
Vasco da Gama vs Mirassol — What’s at Stake
For Vasco da Gama:
- Sudamericana Qualification: Finishing 10th guarantees continental football next year. A win cements this status and restores pride after a rocky month.
For Mirassol:
- Libertadores History: Holding onto 4th place means direct entry to the Libertadores Group Stage—a monumental achievement for a club of their size. A win effectively secures it.
Vasco da Gama vs Mirassol — Team Form
Vasco da Gama (Last 5 Matches):
- W vs Internacional (5-1)
- L vs Bahia (0-1)
- L vs Grêmio (0-2)
- L vs Juventude (1-3)
- L vs Botafogo (0-3)
Mirassol (Last 5 Matches):
- L vs Vitória (0-2)
- W vs Ceará (3-0)
- D vs Santos (1-1)
- W vs Palmeiras (2-1)
- L vs Fluminense (0-1)
Vasco da Gama vs Mirassol — Team News
Vasco da Gama:
- Injury Crisis: The hosts are missing key players. Adson (Broken Leg) and Jair (Knee) are long-term absentees.
- Defensive Blow: Paulo Henrique (PH) is out with a knee injury, meaning Puma Rodríguez will likely start at right-back.
- Questionable: Benjamín Garré is doubtful with a pelvis injury.
- Key Return: Vegetti remains the focal point of the attack, fresh off leading the line in the 5-1 rout.
Mirassol:
- Edson Carioca: Out (Muscle Injury – Big loss for their attack).
- Matheus Sales: Questionable (Injury – Midfield grit might be missing).
- Reinaldo: Questionable (Injury – The left-back/winger is a key creative outlet).
- Selection: If Reinaldo can’t play, Felipe Jonatan or Guilherme could step in.
Vasco da Gama vs Mirassol — Head to Head
- 03 Aug 2025: Mirassol 3–2 Vasco da Gama (Série A)
- Analysis: In their only recent top-flight meeting, Mirassol edged a 5-goal thriller. Vasco will be out for revenge at home.
Vasco da Gama vs Mirassol — Predicted Lineups
Vasco da Gama (4-2-3-1):
Coach Rafael Paiva (or interim) will stick to the XI that smashed Inter.
- GK: Léo Jardim
- RB: Puma Rodríguez
- CB: João Victor
- CB: Léo
- LB: Lucas Piton
- CDM: Hugo Moura
- CDM: Mateus Carvalho
- RW: Emerson Rodríguez
- CAM: Philippe Coutinho (or Payet)
- LW: Dimitri Payet (or Jean David)
- ST: Pablo Vegetti (C)
Mirassol (4-3-3):
Mozart/Guanaes will look to counter-attack using Negueba’s speed.
- GK: Walter
- RB: Lucas Ramon
- CB: João Victor
- CB: Luiz Otávio
- LB: Felipe Jonatan (Reinaldo doubtful)
- CDM: Neto Moura
- CM: Danielzinho
- CM: Gabriel
- RW: Negueba
- ST: Fernandinho (or Gamalho)
- LW: Chico Kim
Vasco da Gama vs Mirassol — Impact Bench Options
Vasco da Gama:
- Rayan: The young forward offers pace and unpredictability off the bench.
- Maxime Dominguez: Can provide creative spark if the midfield stagnates.
Mirassol:
- Dellatorre: A physical striker who can hold up the ball if Mirassol are under pressure.
- Iury Castilho: Offers direct running and goal threat in the final 20 minutes.
Vasco da Gama vs Mirassol — Tactical Outlook
Vasco da Gama:
- Playing Style: Home Aggression. At São Januário, Vasco press high and look to feed Vegetti with crosses from Lucas Piton and Puma. The 5-1 win vs Inter showed they can be lethal when their confidence is up.
- Weakness: Defensive Transition. They have conceded 53 goals this season. If Mirassol bypass the press, Vasco’s backline is vulnerable.
Mirassol:
- Playing Style: Organized Counter. Mirassol are comfortable soaking up pressure (they have a solid defense with 36 goals conceded). They will target the space behind Vasco’s attacking full-backs using Negueba’s speed.
- Strength: Efficiency. Mirassol doesn’t need many chances to score. They are clinical, especially from set-pieces and quick breaks.
Vasco da Gama vs Mirassol — Key Battles
| Matchup | Battle Type | Edge |
| Pablo Vegetti vs. Luiz Otávio | Aerial War: Vegetti is the best header of the ball in the league. Otávio is a veteran defender. This duel decides Vasco’s attack. | Vasco |
| Lucas Piton vs. Negueba | Flank Speed: Piton attacks relentlessly. Negueba will look to exploit the space he leaves behind. | Mirassol |
| Philippe Coutinho vs. Neto Moura | Magic vs. Grit: If Coutinho finds space between the lines, he can unlock Mirassol’s block. Neto Moura must stick to him like glue. | Vasco |
Vasco da Gama vs Mirassol — Spotlight Players
Pablo Vegetti (Vasco da Gama):
“El Pirata” is the heart and soul of this Vasco team. With 55 team goals, he has been involved in a huge chunk of them. At São Januário, he is almost unstoppable in the air.
Danielzinho (Mirassol):
The midfielder is the brain of Mirassol. His passing range allows them to transition from defense to attack instantly. If Vasco give him time, he will pick them apart.
Vasco da Gama vs Mirassol — Fan Reactions
Vasco Fans:
“That 5-1 against Inter was insane! Let’s do it again and ruin Mirassol’s party.”
“We need to be careful. Mirassol is 4th for a reason.”
Mirassol Fans:
“One more win for Libertadores! Just don’t lose focus now.”
“São Januário is tough, but we beat Palmeiras this year. We can beat Vasco.”
Vasco da Gama vs Mirassol — Match-Defining Factors
- The “São Januário” Effect: The proximity of the fans to the pitch can intimidate smaller teams. Mirassol must keep their cool in the first 15 minutes.
- Mirassol’s Absences: Without Edson Carioca and potentially Reinaldo, their attack loses some teeth. Can the replacements step up?
- Vasco’s Momentum: Was the 5-1 a fluke or a turning point? If they start fast, they could overwhelm Mirassol.
Vasco da Gama vs Mirassol — Prediction
Score Prediction: Vasco da Gama 2–1 Mirassol
Betting Insights:
- Outcome: Vasco da Gama to Win (Home advantage is key here).
- Both Teams to Score: YES (Vasco’s defense is leaky; Mirassol rarely blank).
- Over/Under: Over 2.5 Goals.
Analysis: Mirassol are having a dream season, but the pressure of securing G4 might weigh heavy in a hostile environment like São Januário. Vasco, playing with freedom after their recent big win, have the firepower (Vegetti, Payet/Coutinho) to exploit Mirassol’s recent away wobbles.
Vasco da Gama vs Mirassol — Final Word
Vasco da Gama will look to play the role of party poopers, aiming to delay Mirassol’s Libertadores celebration. While the visitors have been the better team all season, the magic of São Januário and Vasco’s renewed attacking confidence might just tip the scales in favor of the Cruzmaltino.
Vasco da Gama vs Mirassol — FAQs
When is the Vasco vs Mirassol match?
The match kicks off on Tuesday, 2 December 2025, at 19:00 Local Time (03:30 IST on Wednesday).
Is Adson playing?
No, Adson is out with a broken leg.
Where can I watch the match in India?
You can stream the match live on JioStar or Fanatiz.
Call to Action — SportsphereArena Community
Can Mirassol secure their Libertadores spot, or will Vasco roar at home? Drop your predictions below!
Stay informed. Stay analytical. Stay in the game.
About the Author
