Vasco da Gama vs Botafogo Prediction: A Rio derby in Brasilia

Vasco da Gama vs Botafogo: Prediction and odds on the Brasileirão match on July 13, 2025

The two Rio de Janeiro teams will face each other in the Brazilian capital for another Friendship Derby. Botafogo participated in the FIFA Club World Cup but was eliminated in the Round of 16 by Palmeiras, a result that led to the departure of coach Renato Paiva. Davide Ancelotti, Carlo Ancelotti's son, is the new head coach of the Lone Star club.

Vasco da Gama: Form and statistics

The Giant pulled off a surprise 3-1 win against São Paulo and went into the league break with more peace of mind. In the previous round, Vasco had lost at home to Bragantino, so the victory at the Morumbi was welcome. The Cariocas had suffered five defeats in five away games in the league, so the result was unexpected despite São Paulo's poor form. The derby with Botafogo won't take place at the São Januário, where Vasco secures most of its points, increasing the difficulty level of the game. A few days later, Fernando Diniz's men will play Independiente del Valle in Ecuador for the Copa Sudamericana, so they will have a demanding week.

Vasco da Gama: Lineup

Adson broke his tibia and will be out for a few months.

🔖Vasco starting lineup (4-2-3-1)

Léo Jardim – Paulo Henrique, João Victor, Lucas Freitas, Lucas Piton – Hugo Moura, Tchê Tchê – Nuno Moreira, Coutinho, Rayan – Vegetti

⛔️Out: Adson, Estrella (injured)

👤Head Coach: Fernando Diniz

Botafogo: Form and statistics

Last season, Botafogo won the Brasileirão and the Copa Libertadores, reaching the club's highest point in history. Coach Artur Jorge left Botafogo at the end of the season, and John Textor appointed Renato Paiva to continue the project. Botafogo occupies a modest eighth place in the league, but improved in the last few rounds, suggesting that the players were finally assimilating the ideas of the Portuguese coach. In the United States, Botafogo qualified for the knockout stage in a group with PSG and Atlético Madrid, and even beat the European champions. Elimination from the tournament against Palmeiras, its biggest rival in recent years, didn't satisfy the club's eccentric president, and now Botafogo will have to start again. It will be the first time that Davide Ancelotti will be in charge as head coach. Up until now, the 35-year-old Italian has always been his father's assistant, a role he will take up again in the World Cup with the Brazilian national team.

Botafogo: Lineup

Striker Igor Jesus and central defender Jair Cunha have been transferred to Nottingham Forest. Botafogo has signed Arthur Cabral from Benfica to replace Igor.

🔖Botafogo starting lineup (4-3-3)

John – Vitinho, Kaio Fernando, Alexander Barboza, Alex Telles – Gregore, Marlon Freitas, Allan – Artur, Savarino, Arthur Cabral

⛔️Out: Jeffinho, Bastos (injured)

👤Head Coach: Davide Ancelotti

Vasco da Gama vs Botafogo: Head-to-head statistics

The first official match between Vasco and Botafogo took place in 1923 for the Campeonato Carioca, and since then, the two rivals have met 320 times. Vasco has the head-to-head advantage, having prevailed in 136 matches while Botafogo has won 89. On 96 occasions, the Friendship Derby has ended in a draw. This season, Vasco beat Botafogo 1-0 at home in the Campeonato Carioca.

Vasco da Gama vs Botafogo: Betting tips & Odds

• The TU 2.5 bet has won 17 times in Botafogo's last 18 away games. You can bet on a match with less than three goals (TU 2.5) for 1.64 at 1xBet;
• Vasco da Gama has scored first in five of its last six games. You can bet that Vasco will be the first team to score for 2.60 at Bet365;
• Botafogo has lost just once in its last seven games. You can bet on Botafogo not losing (X2) for 1.30 at Betway.

Vasco da Gama vs Botafogo match prediction 13 July 2025

Botafogo has better players than Vasco, but in a derby, anything can happen. Vasco da Gama tends to do well against its rival, and it's not guaranteed that Davide Ancelotti, Botafogo's new coach, will be on the bench. On the other hand, Vasco won't be hosting Botafogo at the São Januário and therefore doesn't have the advantage of playing in its stadium. With all these factors, it's hard to name a favorite. I'm betting on a game with a maximum of three goals.

Our match prediction: TU 2.5 for 1.64 at 1xBet.

Our betting tip for this Brasileirão match: Draw for 3.20 at Betway.

Our final betting tip on the match: Correct Score 1-1 for 6.5 at Bet365.