Athletico-PR vs Vasco da Gama Prediction: Athletico is on a 5-game winless streak

Athletico Paranaense's goal of qualifying for the Copa Libertadores, a competition where the club had reached the final in 2005 and 2022, seems destined to fail. The injury to its biggest star, Vitor Roque, has taken away the Furacão's attacking power. Since the future Barcelona player's injury, the Curitiba team has won just twice in ten matches. Against Vasco, the young striker is expected to return and play a few minutes. Athletico hasn't won for five games, and the sixth place that gives it access to the Copa Libertadores qualifying round is six points away with four rounds to go. In 15th place with 41 points, Vasco da Gama continues its fight to escape relegation and is three points ahead of Bahia, the team at the top of the Z4. The Cariocas will look to at least come away from the Ligga Arena with a draw.

In Salvador, a goal from Agustín Canobbio in the 87th minute leveled the score against Bahia in a game in which the home side was more dominant. Still, Furacão needed a win to climb toward sixth place but once again failed to do so. In this upcoming match, the Athletico Paranaense fans will be hoping that their team, ranked seventh, can come away with a win and move closer to Athletico Mineiro, but Vasco da Gama has shown that it's not easy to break down.

The Cruzmaltino suffered but managed to draw 2-2 at the home of direct opponent Goiás, ranked 18th. Vasco kept the Esmeraldino six points behind, which seems a safe margin with 12 points still to play for. Only Bahia, with 38 points at this stage, is threatening the Rio de Janeiro side. The Hill's Giant hasn't lost in five matches and is confident going into the clash with Athletico Paranaense.

Vitor Roque, the wonderkid, may start the game on the bench, but he should play a few minutes after two months out. With the young player on the pitch, Athletico is a more dangerous team. Still, I'm leaning towards a draw in this match; Vasco has proved to be a very difficult team to beat and can pick up a point at the Ligga Arena.