Vasco da Gama host Chapecoense at São Januário in Rio de Janeiro on Thursday evening.
The two sides have not met since July 2022, when Vasco and Chapecoense played out a 0-0 draw. That stalemate was also repeated in the reverse Série B fixture earlier that year in April.
In fact, the last three meetings between the sides have all ended in draws. Their most recent top-flight encounter came in 2019, when the two teams shared a 1-1 draw.
The last victory in this fixture for either side came back in September 2019, when Vasco claimed a 2-1 win away in Santa Catarina thanks to a goal from Talles Magno.
It is also worth noting that Chape have not beaten Vasco da Gama in this fixture since 2017.
Vasco Da Gama
It has been a frustrating few weeks for Vasco da Gama. In their most recent Brasileirao outing against Mirassol, they took the lead through Philippe Coutinho, but an own goal from Carlos Cuesta and a second-half strike from Eduardo added to a disappointing evening for Vasco.
Then on Monday, Vasco were back in action in the Campeonato Carioca against Madureira and were left frustrated once again after being held to a 0-0 draw, a result which saw some fans direct criticism towards manager Fernando Diniz.
That result leaves Vasco in a difficult position in the Carioca, knowing they must get a positive result against Botafogo to progress to the next round. If they slip up, Sampaio Correa could leapfrog them.
Adding insult to injury was former player Rayan, who provided an assist on his Bournemouth debut, having joined the Cherries from Vasco last week.
Chapecoense
It has been a completely different story for the boys from Chapecó, as Chapecoense opened their Brasileirao campaign with a thrilling 4-2 victory over Santos.
A penalty from Paraguayan midfielder Walter Clar put Chape 1-0 up before Gabriel Menino levelled the scores. Chape then had their resolve tested when Álvaro Barreal fired the São Paulo side in front.
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However, goals from Higor Meritao, Jean Carlos and Rafael Carvalheira turned the game on its head, sealing an impressive 4-2 blitz and an important opening-night win for Chape.
After drawing and losing their opening matches in the Catarinense, Chapecoense have been excellent, winning six of their last seven games, with the only blemish a draw against rivals Avai.
Following their impressive victory over Santos, Chapecoense were back in action in the quarter-finals of the Catarinense playoffs, edging Criciúma 2-1 away in the first leg thanks to goals from Everton and Marcinho, giving them a strong advantage heading into next week’s return fixture.
After such a positive start to the season, Chapecoense will hope to finally turn the tide against Vasco, having struggled in this fixture in recent years.
Given their form so far in 2026, they will travel to Rio full of confidence, especially against a Vasco side who currently look out of sorts and perhaps still feeling the effects of last season’s Copa do Brasil final defeat.