Vitória’s home record is strong, but its attack has looked much less convincing recently. Against Cruzeiro, long passes and crosses rarely built sustained pressure, and the midfield lost its shape after Caíque Gonçalves went off. Chapecoense has struggled as well, yet its direct runs give it a route into this game. I expect a closer contest than the table positions suggest.
Vitória’s only goal against Cruzeiro came from a rare spell of patient passing, with Matheuzinho finding Renê. The team took plenty of shots, but the chances were thin, and Cruzeiro had room to attack after the break. Jair Ventura has said injuries have disrupted the connections between his players; Baralhas and Ramon remain out for this match.
Chapecoense’s draw at Atlético-MG was no showcase of control. Atlético had far more chances, but Dudu’s run and pass to Túlio Eduardo showed how Chapecoense can get forward without long spells on the ball. That route matters against a Vitória side still working around changes in its midfield and defence.
