Athletico Paranaense executed a stunning comeback to defeat Maringá FC 3-2 at Willie Davids Stadium on February 9, 2025, marking the 9th round of the Campeonato Paranaense. Despite starting strong and taking a 2-0 lead, Maringá couldn't maintain their advantage after being reduced to ten men, allowing Athletico to secure the win.
It was a match filled with drama right from the start. Maringá FC struck first just 9 minutes in when Matheus Moraes scored after converting the rebound from his saved penalty kick, giving the home team hope of advancing their rank. At 25 minutes, Moraes doubled the lead, heading home from a corner taken by Léo Ceará. The early lead created excitement among the 8,062 spectators.
Things took a turn for Maringá just 16 minutes after their second goal, when Gustavo Vilar was shown a red card for a foul on Alan Kardec. This unfortunate incident shifted the dynamics of the game, leaving the home side vulnerable against the oncoming pressure from Athletico Paranaense.
Despite the setback, Athletico's Kardec managed to pull one back shortly after, scoring at the 27-minute mark. The visitors rallied and showed their resilience, turning the tide as they continued to push for more goals. The second half resumed with both teams eager to secure the three points.
Within minutes of the second half starting, Kardec was once again on the scoresheet, nodding the ball past the Maringá goalkeeper to equalize at 2-2 by the 12th minute. Kardec's goals showcased both his aerial ability and his knack for being where it matters most, sending the visiting fans wild.
The decisive moment came at the 28-minute mark of the second half when João Cruz, capitalizing on the momentum built by his teammates, scored with a superb strike from outside the penalty area, sealing the turnaround victory for Athletico. The pivotal goal underscored how quickly the game can change, especially with Athletico capitalizing on Maringá's dwindling numbers.
With this victory, Athletico Paranaense climbed to the top of the Campeonato Paranaense with 18 points, showcasing their ability to perform under pressure. Meanwhile, Maringá FC fell to 6th place with 13 points, jeopardizing their position for the upcoming quarter-finals.
Looking forward, Maringá must regroup quickly, as they face Azuriz on February 12, where any point lost would be costly for their campaign. Coach Jorge Castilho will be hoping his squad can rally after this frustrating setback and recover their early season form.
This thrilling match proved not only to be a rollercoaster of emotions but also highlighted the importance of discipline on the field, as key decisions made during the game significantly impacted the outcome. Fans and analysts alike will be excited to see how both teams navigate the coming matches, especially Athletico's newly strengthened position as contenders for the championship title.