Vasco host Flamengo at the Nilton Santos with the Brasileirão title race on the line
Leaders Flamengo can open a three-point gap on Palmeiras if they win the clássico at 00:00 WAT Friday. Vasco need points to stay clear of the relegation places.
By Emily · 29 Oct 2026, 07:50 WAT
Vasco da Gama host Flamengo at the Estádio Olímpico Nilton Santos in Rio de Janeiro on Thursday 29 October in Brasileirão matchday 33. Kick-off is 20:00 local time in Brazil, which is 00:00 WAT on Friday 30 October, according to BBC Sport and ge.globo.
Flamengo lead the table on 70 points from 32 games, level with Palmeiras, who have played 33 and sit second on wins (21 to 20), BBC Sport's Brazilian Série A table shows. A win would put Flamengo three points clear of Palmeiras for the first time in this run-in. Vasco are 13th on 38 points from 31 games, four clear of Grêmio in 17th, the first relegation place on that table.
The clássico is at the Nilton Santos rather than the Maracanã. Vasco, as the home side, preferred the Engenhão after a legal dispute over Maracanã rent for their Copa Sudamericana semi-final against Boca Juniors, ge.globo reports. FERJ mediated on ticket allocation: after Vasco first planned a 90/10 home majority, the clubs agreed a 50/50 split, CNN Brasil and ge.globo report. Vasco take the north and west stands; Flamengo take the south and east.
Flamengo coach Leonardo Jardim is without Jorge Carrascal, who is suspended after a third yellow card. Carrascal scored the late penalty that beat Atlético Mineiro 3-2. Danilo (jaw fracture), Saúl (left thigh) and Enner Valencia (conjunctivitis) are also out, ge.globo says. Evertton Araújo is an option on the bench after recovering from a grade-three left-thigh injury. Ge lists a likely XI of Rossi; Varela or Royal; Léo Ortiz; Léo Pereira; Alex Sandro or Ayrton Lucas; Pulgar; Jorginho; Arrascaeta; Plata; Samuel Lino; and Pedro.
Vasco coach Pedro Emanuel is without Barros (foot cut) and Cuesta (hip). Andrés Gómez has had left-foot pain for weeks and is a doubt, with Marino Hinestroza — who scored twice in the 3-2 win over Corinthians — lined up to start if Gómez is rested ahead of the Copa do Brasil semi-final against Palmeiras at the weekend, ge.globo reports. Brenner trained with the starters and could start in attack. Bruno Arleu de Araújo referees, with Paulo Renato Moreira da Silva Coelho on VAR.
The sides drew 2-2 at the Maracanã on 3 May 2026 in the league, BBC Sport's head-to-head shows. Flamengo also beat Vasco 1-0 in the Carioca in January. Flamengo arrive unbeaten in five league matches; Vasco have won three of their last five in the Brasileirão.
Sources: ge.globo.com · www.bbc.com · www.cnnbrasil.com.br · ge.globo.com
