AVAÍ AND CRICIÚMA FACE OFF FOR LEADERSHIP OF THE CATARINENSE CHAMPIONSHIP
Crucial match at the Ressacada this Saturday determines playoff positioning.
This Saturday, February 22, 2025, at 16:30 (Brasília time), the Estádio da Ressacada will be the venue for what promises to be an electrifying showdown between Avaí and Criciúma, two of the top teams vying for the leadership spot of the Catarinense Championship. After the latest round of matches, Avaí leads with 18 points, closely followed by Criciúma at 17 points. Both clubs have already secured their places for the quarter-finals, making this match all the more significant, as it will decide who ends the first phase at the top of the table, allowing them home advantage during the knockout stages.
The atmosphere is set to be charged, with radio broadcasts and live television coverage ensuring fans won’t miss out on any exciting moments. According to reports from NSC TV, "The game will determine who finishes the first phase at the top of the table." Indeed, this matchup is expected to attract considerable attention, both at the stadium and through media channels.
Avaí enters the match after experiencing setbacks, most recently losing to Barra. Despite this, their overall record remains strong; the team previously enjoyed four consecutive victories prior to the loss, showcasing their capability to reclaim their dominant form against Criciúma. Coach Enderson Moreira had time to prepare thoroughly during the week, focusing on his team's tactics and mindset for what is effectively a decider. “Avaí depends only on itself to become leader,” noted one sports analyst from Grupo ND. This confidence stems from the various player comebacks now available for selection, such as Marquinhos Gabriel and Alef Manga.
Player fitness health is also pivotal as Avaí looks to field its strongest team. The loss of Mário Sérgio is noted, but the return of Jonathan Costa from suspension bolsters the defense. Given Avaí's home advantage—recognized by fans and analysts alike—the team is optimistic about their chances. Historically, they thrive here at the Ressacada, which may play to their benefit as they strive to secure the top spot of the table.
Criciúma, on the other hand, broke their streak of five games without victory with their recent triumph against Hercílio Luz, boosting their spirits significantly as they prepare to battle their rivals. Coach Zé Ricardo has effectively rotated players to maintain fitness and minimize risks, particularly as players like Marcelo Hermes and Fellipe Mateus were deliberately omitted from the squad to avoid yellow card suspensions. The coach remarked, “This match means everything—home advantage is key,” emphasizing the importance of securing points at every opportunity.
Adding another layer of significance, refereeing for the match will include the newly implemented VAR (Video Assistant Referee) system, which both teams agreed upon. According to Rubens Angelotti, President of the FCF, "The use of VAR was agreed upon by both clubs," and this arrangement promises to add yet another element of excitement and precision to the encounter.
The historical rivalry between Avaí and Criciúma adds to the stakes of this clash. The two teams have faced each other 202 times, with Criciúma holding the edge with 86 victories, against Avaí's 64 and 52 draws. This season has already generated significant interest since their last encounter on February 12, 2024, where Criciúma narrowly triumphed 3-2, making this latest bout highly anticipated.
This Saturday's game not only offers fans the chance to see exciting football but also the opportunity to witness the intensity of rivalry football alive and well. Whether it is the roar of the crowd filling the stands or the heart-stopping moments as players take the field, the match is set to be one for the books with significant playoff nuances hinging on the result. Anticipation continues to build as players finalize their preparations, eager to rise to the challenge and make the most of this pivotal encounter.
Fans will be able to catch all the action live on NSC TV as anticipation builds for this pivotal match. With both teams fighting for leadership, the stakes have never been higher!