Athletico-PR vs Vasco da Gama Prediction: The Paranaenses rule at home

Athletico hasn't lost at home in nine months, 25 games to be precise. The last time the Curitiba side lost in its stadium was in July 2023 against Flamengo in a Copa do Brazil match. The last time a visiting team won at the Ligga Arena in a league match was in May 2023. Grêmio did it. Vasco da Gama's mission is a difficult one. The Cariocas have lost both of their away matches in the Série A. It would be a big surprise if Vasco wins at the Ligga Arena. 

The Hurricane suffered an unexpected defeat in the Copa do Brasil against Ypiranga. Athletico took the lead in the first half through Canobbio, but in stoppage time, the Gaúchos scored twice to win the match. Coach Cuca was furious with his players for allowing a Série C team to score in the 96th and 98th minutes. It was only the first game so Athletico could turn the tie around, but it wasn't a brilliant performance. In their last encounter in the Brasileirão, the Paranaenses drew at Juventude and are now on seven points, in fourth place. Against Vasco, the team will be looking to redeem itself from the Copa do Brasil match.

Until Ramón Diaz's replacement is appointed, the Cruzmaltino is under Rafael Paiva's command. In his first game, the interim coach led his team to a draw at the Fortaleza stadium in the first leg of the Copa do Brasil third round. The result slightly raised the Cariocas' confidence levels after their shocking 4-0 home defeat by Criciúma. Argentinian Ramón Díaz managed to save Vasco da Gama from relegation last year but couldn't resist the humiliating defeat against a newly promoted team. The Hill's Giant will try in Curitiba what no one has managed for nine months, that is, to beat Athletico in its stadium.

Athletico is the clear favorite in this game, although that alone isn't enough to win. The Hurricane needs to adopt a different attitude to the one it showed in the Copa do Brasil match, which ended in an embarrassing defeat against Ypiranga. The Paranaenses haven't lost at home for nine months and will want to redeem themselves for that loss. Vasco lost coach Ramón Díaz after a 4-0 home defeat to Criciúma but will be looking to pick up a point at the Ligga Arena. My bet is on the home team to win.