On Saturday, March 22, 2025, América-RN and ABC clashed in an exhilarating first leg of the Campeonato Potiguar final at the Arena das Dunas in Natal, resulting in a dramatic 1-1 draw. The much-anticipated match kicked off at 4 PM (Brasília time) and was broadcast live on TV Tropical, an affiliate of Record, as well as via the Canal GOAT on YouTube.
The game, a fierce rivalry known as Clássico Rei, showcased both teams' efforts to secure a pivotal advantage in the state championship. América-RN entered the match with high hopes after overcoming Santa Cruz in the semi-finals. Following a 2-1 defeat in the first leg, they turned the tables with a solid 2-0 victory at home, thanks to goals from Thiaguinho and Thailor, allowing them to keep their dream of a third consecutive title alive.
Meanwhile, ABC, the most successful team in Potiguar history with 57 state titles, looked to extend their dominance, showcasing a strong performance throughout the season. They finished the group stage with an impressive 17 points from seven matches, though they had recently faced elimination from the Copa do Brasil against Olaria.
In front of an audience of 12,955 (12,765 paying), the match was an intense affair marked by physical play and strategic maneuvering from both sides. The first half saw ABC's Wallyson put his team ahead after he converted a rebound following a saved penalty. Wallyson had initially been awarded the penalty after América's defender Iran fouled him in the area, leading to a yellow card for Iran.
Despite being down, América-RN refused to back down and exhibited resilient gameplay in the second half. Their persistence paid off when Souza scored the equalizer in the 39th minute. He managed to find space following a long throw-in and fired in a remarkable goal, drawing the match level.
The overall tone of the game was tense, with ample defensive plays and a notable absence of scoring opportunities early on. The significant possession changes and pressure from both teams created anticipation, culminating in each squad having critical scoring chances but ultimately failing to capitalize in the final minutes. ABC’s goalkeeper Felipe Garcia made several crucial stops, including a critical save from a rebound that could have swung the momentum further in América’s favor.
The referee for the match was Pablo Ramon Pinheiro, assisted by George Ítalo Antas Nogueira and Reinaldo de Moura, with Tarcísio Flores acting as VAR. His involvement became notable earlier that day due to an injury during warm-ups that had him substituted into the VAR role instead of officiating on the field.
Looking ahead, both teams will prepare for the decisive second leg of the final, set for Saturday, March 29, 2025, at Frasqueirão. The upcoming match will undoubtedly be a spectacle, with the title hanging in the balance. Should the teams draw again, a penalty shootout will determine the champion.
With both teams displaying formidable abilities throughout the championship, the anticipation for the next clash continues to build. For América-RN, the opportunity to stand tall as champions again rests on their ability to harness the momentum gained from their recent equalizer. On the other hand, ABC's history as a dominant force in Potiguar football will surely motivate them to clinch the title decisively.
