Botafogo 'turns the page' in the classic with Vasco at Mané Garrincha in the Brasileirão

After a mixed performance in the Club World Cup, which resulted in the dismissal of coach Renato Paiva and the arrival of Italian Davide Ancelotti, Botafogo is turning the page and turning its attention to the Brazilian Championship. They'll resume their routine this Saturday in a derby against Vasco, still surrounded by anticipation for the continuation of coach Fernando Diniz's work.

The match, which is part of the 13th round and is hosted by Vasco, will take place at the Mané Garrincha Stadium in Brasília, starting at 6:30 pm. The São Januário team, in 13th place with 13 points, is trying to climb the table to get closer to the top spots, while its rival is in eighth place with 18 points.

The "Friendship Classic" is considered one of the most important in Brazilian football. Vasco and Botafogo have faced each other 371 times, with 161 wins for the Giant of the Hill, 104 for the Glorioso, and 106 draws.

The last match took place in February, in the Campeonato Carioca. At the time, still under Fábio Carille's management, the Cruzmaltino team won 1-0, with a goal from Argentine striker Vegetti.

The reigning Brazilian and Libertadores champions, Botafogo achieved one of the most notable victories in Brazilian football in recent years. In the second round of the World Cup, they defeated Champions League champions PSG 1-0. This result was crucial in qualifying for the knockout stage. However, Botafogo fell short in the round of 16, losing to Palmeiras by the same score.

This performance led to the dismissal of Renato Paiva and the hiring of Davide Ancelotti, son of Carlo Ancelotti, the Brazilian national team coach. The Italian will be taking on the role for the first time. Previously, he worked with his father as an assistant coach and physical trainer.

Now-coach Davide Ancelotti traveled with the rest of the squad, but is still awaiting official approval in the Daily Information Bulletin (BID). If his name isn't published in time, the club will be managed by Cláudio Caçapa, the club's permanent assistant coach.

In advanced negotiations with Qatar's Al-Rayyan, midfielder Gregore has also been named in the squad for the derby and is expected to start in midfield alongside Marlon Freitas. In attack, Arthur Cabral has a strong chance of starting, filling the void left by Igor Jesus, who was sold to Nottingham Forest.

Botafogo will have a new addition to its defense. Defenders David Ricardo and Kaio Fernando are competing for a spot in the starting eleven. The one chosen by the coaching staff will play alongside Alexander Barboza in the space vacated by Jair Cunha, who transferred to the same English club as Igor Jesus after the World Cup.

Unlike Renato Paiva's lineup against Palmeiras, Ancelotti may field just two defensive midfielders, prioritizing the attack. In this scenario, the team will likely field Savarino in midfield and three forwards.

The main addition will be center forward Arthur Cabral, who would start a game for the first time. He started two of the team's six matches at the World Cup. The striker has also been outstanding in training. Not to mention, he was hired to replace Igor Jesus.

Arthur Cabral, 27, was acquired from Benfica-POR, where he played for two seasons, for R$95 million. Previously, he played for Basel, Switzerland, and Fiorentina-ITA. The Paraíba native graduated from Ceará's youth academy and played for Palmeiras, scoring 102 goals in Europe, where he established his reputation as a goalscorer.

Alongside him will be the fast Artur on the right and, on the left, the doubt between Cuiabano or Santiago Rodríguez.

On the other hand, Vasco won its last match before the championship was suspended. Against São Paulo at Morumbi Stadium, it secured a 3-1 victory thanks to a strong offensive performance.

Furthermore, they secured their spot in the Copa Sudamericana knockout stage with a 3-0 victory over Melgar. These results encouraged fans to look ahead to the rest of the season.

After approximately a month without a game, Vasco returns to the field. New additions to the squad list are midfielder Estrella and forward David. Both were sidelined for nearly a year due to injuries and were named in the squad for the first time this season. The duo are expected to start on the bench.

On the other hand, Diniz will be without midfielder Adson, who suffered a new fracture in his right tibia in training and underwent surgery this week. Striker Loide Augusto, who only returned to training on Thursday after being cleared to deal with personal matters, also did not travel with the rest of the group.

Vasco is expected to field the same lineup as the last match before the Brazilian Championship was suspended. The question mark lies in defense, where defenders Lucas Freitas and Mauricio Lemos are vying for the starting spot. The chosen player will play alongside João Victor.

Internally, the atmosphere is seen as lighter after the announcement of the contract renewal of goalkeeper Léo Jardim, who signed a contract until the end of 2030. The 'wall' is the absolute starter in Vasco's goal and one of the highlights of the squad this season.

Midfielder Jean David and defender Lucas Oliveira were not included due to technical reasons, while left-back Leandrinho, who returned to the club after a loan spell with Al-Shabab in Saudi Arabia, is left out due to the short time he has spent working with the coaching staff.

TECHNICAL SHEET

VASCO X BOTAFOGO

VASCO – Leo Jardim; Paulo Henrique, João Victor, Lucas Freitas (Lemos) and Lucas Piton; Hugo Moura, Tchê Tchê and Coutinho; Rayan, Vegetti and Nuno Moreira. Coach: Fernando Diniz.

BOTAFOGO – John; Vitinho, David Ricardo (Kaio Fernando), Alexander Barboza and Alex Telles; Gregore (Allan), Marlon Freitas and Savarino; Artur, Arthur Cabral and Cuiabano (Santiago Rodríguez). Coach: Davide Ancelotti.

REFEREE – Anderson Daronco (RS).

TIME – 6:30 p.m.

LOCATION – Mané Garrincha, in Brasília (DF).