📝Corinthians 1-0 Vasco da Gama: Former Vascaíno scores match-winner | OneFootball

The first half produced few clear-cut chances but Mateus Vital scored five minutes after the half-time break.

Vasco da Gama claimed a penalty in the 38th minute when winger Kelvin went down on the edge of the area under a clumsy challenge from Thiaguinho. Unfortunately for the Cruzmaltino, the referee allowed play to continue.

The visitors’ best chance came from the head of Yago Pikachu, but the attacker should have done better with the service from Kelvin and goalkeeper Cássio Ramos was able to collect easily.

Shortly after the intermission, Vital rose above Vasco da Gama’s full back Raul and powered his header past goalkeeper Fernando Miguel. Assisted by right-back Fágner, Corinthians’ 20-year-old midfielder scored the game’s first goal in the 50th minute.

The promising midfielder who joined from Vasco last winter had only scored once for Corinthians before facing his former side.

Vital’s header made the difference at Corinthians Arena on Matchday 35 of the Brasileiro Série  A.

With just three fixtures remaining in the season, Corinthians sit on 43 points while Vasco da Gama has 39.

Saturday’s victors are close to clinching a spot in next season’s Copa Sudamericana while Almirante are still not clear from the drop zone down to Série B.