Vasco da Gama vs América-MG Prediction: Vasco da Gama must beat relegated América

América was the first Série A team to be relegated this season after losing to Coritiba at home in the last round. The team always lacked something in the decisive moments, often creating difficulties for its opponents but only managing to triumph four times. One place above the relegation zone, Vasco da Gama can't afford to waste this home match with the last-placed team and absolutely must win.

After beating leader Botafogo at home in Round 32, the Cruzmaltino won again in the last round, this time 2-0 at Cuiabá, and is once again out of the Z4. Vasco has the same 37 points as Cruzeiro, who is now in the relegation zone because it has one fewer win. Bahia also has the same points as the Cariocas and the Mineiros but has one more game played than Vasco and two more than Cruzeiro. Beating América is a must, and the Hill's Giant will have the stadium full of supporters.

At this point in the season, there's not much to say about América. The team will play in the Série B next season, and the best they can do this year is try to escape last place. The defeat to second-last Coritiba increased the gap to the Paranaenses to five points. All that is left is for the team to play with dignity and eventually give some youngsters minutes to prepare for next season. The club's board decided to terminate coach Bustos's contract and appointed Giacomini as interim until the end of the Brasileirão.

Vasco da Gama is in good form and has everything to win. The odds for a victory for the Cariocas are low, so I'm going to bet that their top scorer, Pablo Vegetti, will score a goal.