Athletico were fully dominant on home turf and completely got the better of their opponents on Sunday night.
In a very important game at the Arena da Baixada, Athletico saw off a crucial victory that was crucial in getting them six points clear off the relegation zone at the moment.
A goal by Nikão and a brace from Carlos Eduardo saw Athletico win 3-0 and they could even have scored more against Vasco.
After a previous run of five games without a win, Athletico won their second straight and moved up to 11th place, overtaking Atlético-GO in the process. Vasco have a game less and remain in 17th place (relegation zone) with 28 points.
It wasn’t Cano’s bets outing on the evening. He remains Vasco’s top scorer so far with 21 goals this season but had a game to forget. He made a below par performance and even missed a one-on-one chance. When he did score, it didn’t count as he was ruled out for offside.
In opposite fortunes, Carlos Eduardo made his mark on the game with a brace but the player who stood out was Nikão. The striker had a hand in all of Athletico’s three goals. He scored the first, initiated the move for the second and assisted the third. He also created several opportunities and could have grabbed his second of the night late on but for a save from Fernando Miguel.
Athletico will return to the pitch next Wednesday in an away game against Botafogo while Vasco play two days later on Friday against Atlético Goianiense.
