The decadence of the historic club was once again proved in their 4th relegation in the last 20 years. Last season, Vanderlei Luxemburgo was able to save the team from relegation, but this time his effect was simply not enough.
An excellent start (3 wins in 3 first games) and a promising Argentinean partnership in attack (Benitez and Cano) gave the fans some false hopes for a successful season in 2020. However, soon the deep problems in backstage affected the performances on the pitch.
A series of defeats in October led to coach Ramon being sacked (he who had been almost at a god status just 6 weeks before). Portuguese Sá Pinto was brought in, but he couldn’t live up the standards of Jesus in the biggest rival, last season, and soon he left, with Vasco near the relegation spots.
Vanderlei Luxemburgo was eventually brought in, in an effort to emulate last season’s excellent recovery in the end of the season, but this time his effect was close to null, and Vasco dropped even deeper, finishing in agony, in a last round relegation.
The whole soap opera around the extension of Benitez’ contract was an example on how poor the management of the club has been. The team’s absolute standout left in December, only to return in the end of January, under physical limitations.
The worst part for the fans is knowing that the uncontrolled financial situation and the continuous awful board decisions may hinder Vasco’s chances of a quick return to top flight, next season.
