The classic Rio de Janeiro derby will see Botafogo take on Vasco da Gama next Friday at the Estadio Olimpico Nilton Santos for the second leg of the Copa do Brasil competition.
The Lone Star head into this game recently securing a commanding 4-1 victory over Bragantino in the Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A, while the Big Vasco clinched a thrilling 3-2 away win against Sport Recife. The first leg of this tie saw Vasco hold Botafogo to a 1-1 draw at the Estadio Sao Januario last Thursday
Read our Botafogo vs Vasco predictions and preview to find out, but remember to also check our other Copa do Brasil predictions.
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Botafogo vs Vasco prediction: The Lone Star to win the encounter
Key statistics
- Botafogo have led at halftime in two of their last four home matches against Vasco.
- Two of Botafogo’s five home games against Vasco have seen a 2-0 scoreline.
- Under 2.5 goals have been played in three of their last five encounters.
Correct score prediction: Botafogo 2-0 Vasco
The Rio derby between the Big Fire and the Giant of the Hill is expected to be a tight encounter, but Botafogo’s recent form gives them the edge. They come into this match boasting of a good home form against Vasco.
In their last five meetings, Botafogo have won by a 2-0 scoreline at their home ground on two occasions, showing that they are capable of securing victories, particularly on home soil.
Based on this, we are predicting a 2-0 victory for Botafogo, as their superior form and home support should be enough to see them through in the derby game.
Pre-match odds and win probability: Botafogo given winning odds
- Home: 13/20 (1.65) – 60.6%
- Draw: 5/2 (3.50) – 28.6%
- Away: 7/2 (4.50) – 22.2%
*Odds provided by Ladbrokes. Subject to change.*
The odds show Botafogo are strong favourites with a 60.6% chance of winning, thanks to their better form and quality. A draw has a 28.6% chance, meaning the game could still be close. Vasco da Gama, with only a 22.2% chance, are seen as the underdog and would need an upset to get the win.
Most recent head-to-head: Botafogo with a solid home record
The Rio de Janeiro derby between Davide Ancelotti’s boys and Fernando Diniz’s team is always a fiercely competitive encounter and recent history proves just how tight this rivalry has been.
Over their last five meetings, Botafogo have managed to come out on top three times, while Vasco have claimed two victories. The most recent clash finished in a 1-1 draw, underlining how contested these two sides are when they face each other.
Copa do Brasil 28/08/25
Vasco da Gama
Botafogo
Brazil Serie A 12/07/25
Vasco da Gama
Botafogo
Brazil Campeonato Carioca 23/02/25
Vasco da Gama
Botafogo
Brazil Serie A 06/11/24
Botafogo
Vasco da Gama
Brazil Serie A 29/06/24
Vasco da Gama
Botafogo
After reviewing our key Botafogo vs Vasco predictions, be sure to visit our website for the remaining football betting tips today.
Botafogo preview: Looking to build on good form
Ancelotti’s team have been in good form, but they will be without a few key players due to injury. Bastos is sidelined with a knee injury and will not be available for selection. Cuiabano is recovering from an ankle injury, while John Victor will not feature in the game.
Meanwhile, experienced defender Chris Ramos is dealing with a head injury, which rules him out of action for now. These absences could affect team performances in the coming fixtures.
Predicted lineup: Neto (GK), Ricardo, Pantaleao, Vitinho, Marcal, Rodriguez, Danilo, Newton, Cabral, Savarino & Jeffinho
Last five fixtures
- 30.08.25 – Botafogo RJ 4 – 1 Bragantino
- 28.08.25 – Vasco 1 – 1 Botafogo RJ
- 24.08.25 – Juventude 1 – 3 Botafogo RJ
- 21.08.25 – LDU Quito 2 – 0 Botafogo RJ
- 18.08.25 – Botafogo RJ 0 – 1 Palmeiras
Vasco preview: Injury concern in the team
Diniz’s side also have several injury concerns. Adson is out with a broken leg and will face a lengthy spell on the sidelines. Paulo Henrique is dealing with a muscle injury, while Mateus Martins is also unavailable because of a muscle problem. Thiago Mendes suffered a calf injury, ruling him out of action for now.
Predicted lineup: Jardim (GK), Rodriguez, L. Freitas, L. Piton, Moura, Coutinho, Moreira, Jair, Barros, Vegetti & Vitor
Last five fixtures
- 01.09.25 – Sport Recife 2 – 3 Vasco
- 28.08.25 – Vasco 1 – 1 Botafogo RJ
- 24.08.25 – Vasco 2 – 3 Corinthians
- 20.08.25 – Juventude 2 – 0 Vasco
- 17.08.25 – Santos 0 – 6 Vasco
Player to watch: Arthur Cabral
When looking at this big derby, one player who could make the difference for Botafogo is their centre-forward, Arthur Cabral. He has not found the back of the net in his last five games, but he has still been very important for the team by creating chances and providing two key assists.
His hard work off the ball, ability to link up with teammates and constant presence in attack have been a big part of Botafogo’s recent strong form. Even without scoring, Cabral’s influence makes him a dangerous player to watch and he will be a real problem for the Vasco da Gama defence.