Fluminense Secures 1-0 Victory Over Vasco in Campeonato Carioca Semifinal First Leg
Fluminense defeated Vasco 1-0 in the first leg of the Campeonato Carioca semifinals, with Kevin Serna scoring the winning goal amid coach expulsions and a coaching change at Vasco.
- • Fluminense won the first leg 1-0 with a goal from Kevin Serna.
- • Vasco’s coach Luis Zubeldía was expelled during the match; Fernando Diniz was dismissed after the game.
- • Fluminense extended their unbeaten streak to nine matches this season.
- • Fluminense played part of the second half with 10 men but held on to their lead.
Key details
In the highly anticipated first leg of the 2026 Campeonato Carioca semifinals, Fluminense edged out Vasco da Gama with a narrow 1-0 win at Estádio Nilton Santos. The sole and decisive goal came from Kevin Serna during the first half, putting Fluminense in a strong position ahead of the second leg.
Despite facing adversity after Bernal’s expulsion in the second half, Fluminense maintained their composure and defensive solidity. Goalkeeper Fábio made several critical saves to preserve the lead as Vasco struggled to create clear scoring opportunities even after gaining a numerical advantage. This victory extended Fluminense's unbeaten streak to nine matches this season, consisting of eight wins and one draw, underscoring their dominance in classic Rio de Janeiro clashes.
The match was also marked by disciplinary issues on Vasco's side, as their coach Luis Zubeldía received a red card for arguing with the referee, further destabilizing the team. Following the disappointing result and lackluster offensive display, Vasco’s coach Fernando Diniz was dismissed post-match. Despite criticism for the team's lack of creativity and ineffective play, Diniz was commended by club president Pedrinho for his efforts during a challenging period. Bruno Lazaroni has been appointed as interim coach while the club searches for a permanent replacement.
Looking ahead, Fluminense needs only to draw in the second leg to advance to the Campeonato Carioca final, while Vasco faces the difficult task of winning by at least two goals to avoid a penalty shootout.
Meanwhile, Flamengo secured their semifinal position with a commanding 3-0 win over Madureira, highlighted by Giorgian De Arrascaeta’s 100th goal for the club.
This semifinal first leg victory reinforces Fluminense's ambition to reach the final after their previous Copa do Brasil semifinal exit against Vasco last season, demonstrating their tactical discipline and resilience under pressure, even when temporarily reduced to ten men.
This article was translated and synthesized from Brazilian sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
Source articles (3)
Source comparison
Coaching changes
Sources report different coaches involved in the match's aftermath
oglobo.globo.com
"Despite the expulsions of Vasco's coach Luis Zubeldía and player Bernal, Fluminense maintained control."
oglobo.globo.com
"Following the match, Vasco's coach Fernando Diniz was dismissed after the team failed to capitalize on a numerical advantage."
Why this matters: One source states Vasco's coach Luis Zubeldía was expelled, while another mentions Fernando Diniz's dismissal after the match. This discrepancy is significant as it affects the understanding of the coaching situation for Vasco following the game.