Vasco da Gama vs São Paulo Prediction: Back in the Z4, Vasco must win

After spending almost the entire first half of the season in the relegation zone, Vasco da Gama finally managed to get out of the Z4 after beating América in Round 24. However, a 4-1 defeat in its last game against direct opponent Santos sent the Cruzmaltino back into the red zone. Reality once again proved harsh for the Cariocas, who must show resilience in order to avoid relegation. Hosting São Paulo, Vasco needs to get back to winning ways, return to a place safe from relegation, and regain the confidence demonstrated in the matches prior to the Vila Belmiro defeat.

One game can sometimes change a season, and Vasco fans definitely hope the loss against Santos was just a minor accident. The team has shown its quality in an eight-game run in which it has only lost to Palmeiras. The Hill's Giant has managed to climb back up the table with a lot of effort, thanks to the work of coach Ramón Diaz, who has brought confidence to the players. It's unpredictable how the team will react to a somewhat humiliating defeat. Gary Medel, a key player in Vasco's defense, is ruled out due to a third yellow card. Losing again could cast doubt on the team's ability to escape relegation.

The Tricolor Paulista is enjoying a happy period. After winning the Copa do Brasil, the team managed two 2-1 home wins against Coritiba and rival Corinthians. After four games in a row at the Morumbi, São Paulo is back on the road to face 17th-placed Vasco. The Paulistas have Calleri and Berardo suspended but will be looking to win away, something they haven't managed to do so far in the Brasileirão. São Paulo is in 10th place with 34 points, eight more than its opponent.

The São Januário will be packed for this Round 25 clash. Vasco needs the three points, but São Paulo is playing calmly and without too much pressure. Dorival Jr.'s side has yet to win away from home, but I think it's only a matter of time before that happens. I'm betting on both teams to score. It won't be easy for Vasco to play without its most experienced defender, Gary Medel.