Vasco had started the game brightly, opening the scoring after just fifteen minutes through centre-back Dedé. The newly capped defender rose high at the back-post to win the header above two markers and head powerfully past the helpless Júlio César.
However, just moments later, the scores were level as Corinthians sprang on the counter-attack. Danilo raced clear down the right side of the pitch, waiting until goalkeeper Fernando Prass was committed before teeing up Alex for an easy finish.
Neither team was playing fluently, Vasco’s Diego Souza was far from on top form for the Carioca side, whilst Corinthians were blunt in attack. Just before the break though and Vasco were back in front.
The lively Éder Lúis picked up the ball near the halfway line before slipping a through-ball behind the defence for the advancing right-back Fágner to steam clear. An exquisite chipped finish over the advancing keeper followed and the São Januário was rocking going into the break.
Allan came on to replace the injured Juninho Pernambucano shortly after the break, but Vasco were now well on top. Júlio César produced a fine save to deny Diego Souza, whilst Dedé once more rose well from a corner to strike the upright.
Despite Vasco’s dominance, Corinthians would draw level at the midway point of the second period in what would prove to be the game’s crucial moment. Willian crossed from deep on the right-flank and Danilo rose above the sleeping Fágner to convert the opportunity.
Fernando Prass in the Vasco net would need to make good saves from Jorge Henrique and Willian to make sure of the victory, but in truth it was the least Vasco deserved. The Rio de Janeiro side are now just eleven games away from a famous Brasileirão triumph, with a two point advantage over Corinthians.
