If the Brazilian title is practically on its way to Flamengo, the fight against relegation promises intense emotions until the last second of the ball rolling. With Fortaleza’s 1-0 win over Atlético MG yesterday in Castelao, the gap between second-to-bottom and 14th (Cearra) is now just three points, with only two rounds remaining in the tournament.
- See accounts: Mirasol, Botafogo, Fluminense and Bahia are competing for two direct places in the Copa Libertadores.
After being in danger of falling more than 80% in the final stage of the competition, Leao do Pessie went on an eight-match unbeaten run, including a run of three straight victories (Gallo, Bragantino and Bahia). The team is in 18th place with 40 points, just one point behind Santos, the first team outside Z4, and is “playing its life” against Corinthians, at home, and Botafogo, away, in the last two rounds.
Its rival Ceara, who is in 14th place with 43 points, has not won in three matches and has an unpleasant task ahead of him: ensuring survival in the Brazilian championship by adding points against leaders Flamengo, in the Maracanã, and vice-president Palmeiras, in Castelao.
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On the other hand, Vitoria’s team developed significantly under the leadership of Jair Ventura and emerged from the relegation zone in the last round by defeating Mirasol 2-0. The team now ranks 15th with 42 points, and is unbeaten in five matches – three wins and two draws. In the remaining two matches, they will face Bragantino, away from home, and Sao Paulo, in Paradão.
And if the Bahian team can bid farewell to Z4, Internacional begins to open the relegation zone in 17th place (41 points) after a 5-1 defeat to Vasco in Sao Januario. The huge defeat led to the dismissal of coach Ramon Diaz and his replacement with Abel Braga.
Without captaining a team since 2022, when he announced his retirement, Rio Grande do Sul’s new coach said he only accepted the challenge because he believes he can save the club in the final two rounds – but he will not stay until 2026. Colorado faces São Paulo in Morumbes, and Bragantino in Beira Rio.
In the midst of Neymar’s struggle with his body, Santos breathed a sigh of relief after beating bottom club Sport 3-0, and now more than ever relies on the star in matches against Juventude, at Alfredo Jaconi, and Cruzeiro, at Villa Belmiro.