In a disappointing start to their Campeonato Brasileiro Série D campaign, Juazeirense fell to ASA with a 3-0 defeat at the Estádio Adauto Moraes in Juazeiro on Sunday, April 20, 2025. The match, which marked the opening round of the tournament, saw all three goals scored in the second half by Júnior Viçosa, Thiago Alagoano, and Marcelo Toscano, giving ASA a strong beginning in the competition.
Juazeirense, who ended the Campeonato Baiano in a lowly sixth place, faced an uphill battle as they sought to kick off their Série D journey on a positive note. The team, managed by Carlos Rabelo, had made several signings in the off-season, including midfielders João Varolo and Felipe Benedetti, as well as forwards Everton Lino and Vicente, aiming to improve on last year's performance where they failed to qualify for the second phase.
In contrast, ASA, coming off a fourth consecutive vice-championship in Alagoas, reinforced their squad with six new players, eager to surpass their previous year's early exit from the knockout stage. The team, led by coach Ranielle Ribeiro, demonstrated their preparation and intent with a commanding performance.
The match began with Juazeirense looking more settled on the pitch, with Benedetti being a standout performer. However, ASA's Keliton was instrumental in creating opportunities, and the first half ended without any goals, despite both teams having goals ruled out for offside.
Just two minutes into the second half, ASA broke the deadlock. Júnior Viçosa capitalized on a rebound after a shot by Sammuel hit the crossbar, slotting the ball home to make it 1-0. With the momentum shifting, ASA continued to assert their dominance, and a penalty awarded to them at the 28-minute mark of the second half further solidified their lead. Thiago Alagoano stepped up to convert the penalty, making it 2-0.
As the match neared its conclusion, Marcelo Toscano, who had recently joined the squad, capped off the scoring at the 41-minute mark of the second half, sealing a comprehensive victory for ASA.
With this win, ASA sits atop Group A4 of the Série D, leading on goal difference. They will look to build on this success when they face Jequié (BA) on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 17h at the Estádio Coaracy da Mata Fonseca in Arapiraca.
Meanwhile, Juazeirense will regroup and prepare for their next challenge against Sergipe on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at 17h at the Arena Batistão in Aracaju. This match will be crucial for them as they seek to recover from this setback and gain some much-needed points in the competition.
The Série D of the Campeonato Brasileiro features 64 clubs divided into eight groups, with the top four teams from each group advancing to the knockout stage, culminating in a total of 32 teams competing for promotion to Série C. The semifinalists will secure a spot in Série C for the 2026 season, making each match critical for teams like Juazeirense and ASA as they pursue their goals.
As the tournament progresses, fans can expect intense competition, with teams vying for the opportunity to ascend through the ranks of Brazilian football. The stakes are high, and every match will be pivotal in determining which clubs will advance and which will fall short.
