Internacional vs Vasco da Gama Prediction: Inter returns to the Beira-Rio

On April 29th, Internacional hosted Atlético Goianiense, and it didn't cross anyone's mind that the team would play at the Beira-Rio again in more than two months. The floods that devastated the state of Rio Grande do Sul also damaged the stadiums of Inter and Grêmio. The repairs are now complete, and Inter can finally return to normality.

The Colorado drew 1-1 with Fluminense at the Maracanã. The Gaúchos were closer to winning but failed to score a second goal. Coudet's men have tied two straight games on the road after drawing 1-1 against Criciúma. Internacional is in 10th place with 20 points but has two games in hand, so it's likely that the team could move up a few places. Hosting Vasco da Gama, the Gaúchos will be looking to return to winning ways with the support of their fans, who are sure to flock to the Beira-Rio.

The Giant beat Fortaleza 2-0 at home and moved slightly away from the relegation zone. Hércules received a red card in the 39th minute, leaving Fortaleza with ten players. Just before half-time, Matheus Carvalho opened the scoring for the Cariocas. In the second half, the inevitable Pablo Vegetti made it 2-0 and set up the final result. Four Vasco players picked up their third yellow card and will miss the game against Internacional through suspension. The team's star, Dimitri Payet, is injured and won't be traveling either. Any point gained in Porto Alegre would be welcome for the Cruzmaltino.

Internacional must beat Vasco da Gama. The Cariocas have lost all their away matches, and although it's not impossible to get a good result in Porto Alegre, it's unlikely. The Gaúchos are finally returning to their stadium after 70 days and will want to give their fans a win. The team has coped well during this period without playing at the Beira-Rio and is in a position in the table that doesn't compromise its aims of qualifying for the Copa Libertadores. I'll bet on a victory for Inter with a maximum of five goals scored to increase the odds.