Vasco da Gama vs Cruzeiro

Vasco snapped an eight-game winless run in style, thumping Cruzeiro 3-1 at São Januário. The hosts pressed from kickoff, forcing sharp saves from goalkeeper Otávio before the pressure finally told. Tchê Tchê broke the deadlock in the 32nd minute, muscling past Matheus Henrique to latch onto a lofted ball from Colidio and slot low into the corner. Nine minutes into the second half, Lucas Freitas doubled the lead, tapping in unmarked at the far post off a Piton corner delivery. David then headed home from a Ramon Rique cross to make it three. Felipe Morais pulled one back for the visitors late on from a set piece, but it was merely a consolation. For Vasco, the win offers welcome breathing room in a relegation fight that had grown increasingly uncomfortable. For Cruzeiro, the defeat is a costly stumble in their push for a Libertadores spot near the top of the table.