Vasco da Gama vs Nova Iguaçu Prediction: Vasco will have massive support at the Maracanã

Around 60,000 tickets have already been sold for this Carioca semi-final between Vasco da Gama and Nova Iguaçu. Vasco has requested Flamengo and Fluminense for permission to play the semi-final first leg at the Maracanã - both clubs are the stadium right holders. It means the support for the Cruzmaltino will be massive, with the mythical stadium full of fervent Vasco da Gama fans.

The Hill's Giant got a big scare a few days ago in the Copa do Brasil third round. Facing Água Santa, after starting 2-0 up, Vasco allowed the opponent to turn the result around, which took the lead in the 88th minute. Vasco miraculously equalized in the 93rd minute and won the penalty shootout. Ramón Díaz's team must be more focused in the semi-final, or it could be in trouble. Vasco has to score more goals in total in this semi-final because it finished below Nova Iguaçu in the Carioca league stage. It means that if the aggregate of the two legs of the semi-final is tied, Nova Iguaçu will go through to the final.

The Baixada Carousel was the big surprise of the Carioca 2024, finishing the Copa Guanabara in second place. For the first time in history, Nova Iguaçu qualified for the competition semi-finals. Only Fluminense beat the Baixada's Clockwork Orange in the tournament so far. Nova Iguaçu will try to reach the final, but in a few days, it has a Copa do Brasil match against Internacional de Porto Alegre to play. That game will take place in the middle of the week between the two legs of the Carioca semi-finals and will probably cause some fatigue for the decisive match with Vasco.

Vasco da Gama has to be considered the favorite. It's a great club, having won the Campeonato Carioca 24 times. With the Maracanã stands packed, the team will have strong support throughout the match. On the other side will be a rookie in the Carioca semi-finals, but that has the advantage in the event of a draw on aggregate goals in the two legs. A draw would be excellent for Nova Iguaçu. I'm backing Vasco da Gama to win with a maximum of four goals scored in the match.