Nova Iguaçu vs Vasco da Gama Prediction: Vasco must win to make it to the final

The semi-final second leg between Nova Iguaçu and Vasco da Gama is creating a lot of anticipation. The first leg ended in a draw after a thrilling football spectacle that increased fans' anxiety even more about whether their team would reach the final. Like the first leg, the fixture will also be played at the Maracanã to satisfy the ticket demand. Vasco will probably have a legion of fans in the stadium, but a draw will suit Nova Iguaçu to reach the final.

The Baixada's Clockwork Orange put in a great display at the Maracanã, showing that second place in the Carioca league stage was no accident. Nova Iguaçu had the best scoring chances, hitting the post twice and forcing Vasco goalkeeper Léo Jardim into a series of good saves. A few days later, Jardim was called up to the Brazil national team for the first time. The draw is enough for the team with orange jerseys to advance to the final, but it must withstand the pressure of Vasco da Gama, a club more used to these decisions in the state championship.

Lucas Piton's goal in the 82nd minute drew the semi-final first leg and gave the fans hope of seeing their club in the Carioca final. As Nova Iguaçu finished the first phase of the championship ahead of Vasco, it has the upper hand if the goal aggregate of the two games is equal. Piton's goal prevented Cruzmaltino's defeat in the first leg and Vasco's obligation to beat Nova Iguaçu by two goals in the second leg. The draw in the first leg means that Vasco da Gama must win if they want to reach the final. 

The Hill's Giant will be playing practically at home, as most of the fans at the Maracanã will be Vascaínos. That factor, plus Vasco da Gama's superior experience, makes it the favorite in the game. I feel tempted to bet on Nova Iguaçu reaching the final after being impressed by its first-leg performance. I know it's a risk, but I'm going for a Double Chance in favor of Nova Iguaçu because the odds are tempting, and the team has quality.