The Copa do Brasil delivered its most electric matchup yet as Vasco da Gama and Fluminense clashed in the first leg of their 2025 semifinal showdown at Estádio São Januário in Rio de Janeiro. The match, played on Thursday, December 11, 2025, ended 2-1 in favor of Vasco — a result that turned the second leg at the Maracanã into a high-stakes battle for survival. With the aggregate score locked at 2-1, Fluminense must win by two goals or force extra time to reach the final. This isn’t just any derby — it’s the Clássico dos Gigantes, a rivalry steeped in history, pride, and the raw emotion only Brazilian football can produce.
Where to Watch the Second Leg Live
If you’re tuning in for the decisive second leg on Sunday, December 15, 2025, at 00:30 UK time (23:30 UTC, December 14), you’ve got options — but they’re not all equal. In the U.S., FOX Deportes is broadcasting the match live, available through Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and cTV. Alternatively, Premiere (Globoplay) — the official Brazilian pay-per-view channel — streams exclusively via Sling TV’s Brazilian International package at $13.99/month. New users can test both Fubo and DirecTV Stream with a free five-day trial.
For viewers in the UK, Sky Sports and DAZN carry the game, while across Europe, DAZN remains the most reliable option. In Brazil, the match airs live on Sportv for cable subscribers, Premiere for premium viewers, and Prime Video for streaming fans. Apple TV lists the game under “Brazil Copa do Brasil,” though its venue listing (Maracanã) for the first leg was misleading — the opening match was definitively at São Januário.
Team News: Who’s Missing?
The injury list for both sides has turned this semifinal into a tactical puzzle. Vasco da Gama will be without Agustín Canobbio — suspended after picking up a second yellow in the first leg — and key attackers Germán Cano and Manoel, both sidelined by injuries. Fluminense, meanwhile, is missing Cuesta (suspension) and a trio of midfielders: Lucas, Ricardo, and Adson. The absence of these names isn’t just about depth — it’s about identity. Canobbio’s creativity and Cano’s finishing were central to their respective game plans. Without them, the match hinges on individuals like Vasco’s veteran playmaker Ganso and Fluminense’s 17-year-old sensation Acosta.
ESPN (AU) confirmed the lineups for the second leg: Fluminense’s starting XI includes Fábio in goal, René and Samuel Xavier anchoring the defense, and Acosta and Everaldo leading the attack. Vasco counters with Ganso pulling strings behind John Kennedy, the 22-year-old striker who scored both goals in the first leg. The midfield battle between Nonato and Facundo Bernal could decide who controls the tempo.
The Stakes: More Than Just a Final Spot
This isn’t just about reaching the Copa do Brasil final. It’s about legacy. Vasco da Gama, a four-time Brazilian champion and 1998 Copa Libertadores winner, hasn’t lifted the Copa do Brasil since 2011. Fluminense, with three Copa do Brasil titles, is chasing its first since 2007. Both clubs are in the midst of financial and institutional turbulence — and a deep cup run could mean sponsorship boosts, TV revenue, and morale that no transfer window can buy.
Adding to the drama: the two teams met just 24 hours before the first leg, in a chaotic, rain-soaked friendly at the Maracanã that ended 1-0 to Fluminense — but only after Vasco won 4-3 on penalties. That result, reported by Sofascore, has fans questioning whether the teams are mentally prepared or emotionally drained. The psychological edge? It’s razor-thin.
How to Bypass Geo-Restrictions
If you’re outside Brazil, the UK, or the U.S., you’ll likely hit a geo-block. That’s where NordVPN comes in. Goal.com and World Soccer Talk both recommend using a VPN to mask your location and access streaming services like Sling TV or DAZN as if you’re in a supported country. NordVPN’s servers in São Paulo and Miami are consistently reliable for this purpose. Other services like ExpressVPN and Surfshark also work, but Nord’s speed and unblocking success rate make it the top pick among Brazilian football fans abroad.
What’s Next?
The winner of this semifinal will face the victor of the other tie — likely Palmeiras or Atlético Mineiro — in the final. The final date is set for late January 2026, likely at the Maracanã. But first, the Maracanã must witness one more chapter in this epic rivalry. With Vasco leading 2-1, Fluminense must attack. But attack too hard, and Vasco’s counterattacks — led by the lightning-fast Keno — could break them.
Historical Context: Why This Derby Matters
The Clássico dos Gigantes dates back to 1912, when both clubs were founded within a year of each other in Rio. Vasco, born from the working-class neighborhoods, was the first Brazilian club to integrate Black and mixed-race players — a radical move in the 1920s. Fluminense, founded by elite students, became the symbol of the city’s aristocracy. Over a century, their clashes have mirrored Brazil’s social tensions — and its unifying passion for football. They’ve met 324 times in official matches. Vasco leads the head-to-head, but Fluminense has won the last three major finals between them. This one? It’s anyone’s.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I watch the Vasco vs Fluminense second leg if I live outside the U.S. and UK?
If you’re outside the U.S. or UK, check if DAZN carries the match in your country — it’s available across Latin America, Europe, and parts of Asia. If not, use a reliable VPN like NordVPN to connect to a server in Brazil, the U.S., or the UK, then access the local broadcaster (e.g., Sling TV for Premiere or Fubo for FOX Deportes). Always verify the streaming service’s terms — some block VPNs, but NordVPN’s obfuscation tools usually bypass these restrictions.
Why is the match listed as 'Copa Betano do Brasil' on some sites?
Betano, a betting and gaming company, is the official title sponsor of Brazil’s national cup competition for the 2024–2025 season. That’s why platforms like Sofascore and some Brazilian broadcasters use the name ‘Copa Betano do Brasil.’ It’s purely a sponsorship change — the competition’s structure, history, and official name remain the Copa do Brasil. The trophy and the title are unchanged.
What happens if the second leg ends in a 1-0 win for Fluminense?
A 1-0 win for Fluminense would tie the aggregate score at 2-2, forcing extra time. If no goals are scored in extra time, the match goes to a penalty shootout. Unlike the first leg, there’s no away goals rule in the Copa do Brasil — so even if Fluminense wins 1-0 at home, they still need to win the shootout. Vasco’s experience in penalty kicks — they won their last two shootout eliminations — gives them a psychological edge.
Are there any free options to watch the match?
There are no legal free broadcasts in the U.S. or UK. However, Fubo and DirecTV Stream offer five-day free trials — if you sign up before the match, you can watch legally without paying. Some Brazilian fans use free trials of Globoplay, but international access is blocked unless you’re in Brazil. Avoid illegal streams — they’re unreliable, often contain malware, and violate copyright laws.
Which player could be the difference-maker in the second leg?
For Vasco, it’s Ganso — the 35-year-old playmaker who’s still the heartbeat of their attack. His vision and set pieces could unlock Fluminense’s defense. For Fluminense, look to Acosta, the 17-year-old winger who’s scored in his last three appearances. If he can exploit the space left by Vasco’s fullbacks pushing forward, he could be the one to turn the tie around. Both teams are missing key strikers — so midfield creativity will win this.
How does this match affect the teams’ chances in the 2026 Brazilian league?
A deep cup run can significantly boost morale and revenue. The winner earns a spot in the 2026 Copa Libertadores — Brazil’s most prestigious international tournament. For Vasco, a Libertadores berth could attract better sponsorship deals and help stabilize their finances. Fluminense, struggling in the league standings, needs this win to rekindle fan interest and attract new investment. Even if they don’t win the cup, reaching the final could lift them from 12th to 8th in the league’s perception — which matters for recruitment and TV rights.