The Avaí Football Club has made history by securing the Campeonato Catarinense 2025 title, marking their 19th championship victory and establishing themselves as the most successful club in the state's history. This significant achievement was sealed in a nail-biting finale against Chapecoense, which took place on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at the Estádio Ressacada in Florianópolis.
The match ended in a 1-1 draw, a result that was enough for Avaí to claim the title due to their superior performance in the earlier phases of the tournament. Bruno Matias opened the scoring for Chapecoense in just the fourth minute of the second half, putting the pressure on Avaí, who needed to equalize to lift the trophy.
However, in the 29th minute of the second half, Avaí was awarded a penalty after a VAR review ruled that Gaspar was fouled in the area. Eduardo Brock stepped up and calmly converted the penalty, striking it firmly into the top corner, thus leveling the score at 1-1. This goal not only equalized the match but also ensured that Avaí would clinch the title thanks to their better record during the previous rounds of competition.
The final was filled with tension and controversy, with a total of seven yellow cards issued and three players sent off. Chapecoense's Giovanni Augusto was one of the casualties, receiving a red card following a heated exchange that arose after the penalty decision was announced. This left Chapecoense at a numerical disadvantage for the latter stages of the game.
The match had begun with both teams testing each other, but Avaí showed early aggression. They almost scored within the first few minutes when Alef Manga had a shot saved by Chapecoense's goalkeeper, Léo Vieira. As the game progressed, Avaí's offensive pressure increased, with chances squandered by both Alef Manga and Cléber, who were unable to secure a lead before the halftime whistle.
Despite the strong start by Avaí, it was Chapecoense who found the back of the net first in the second half. Bruno Matias capitalized on a defensive lapse from Avaí, unleashing a powerful shot from outside the box that beat César, the Avaí goalkeeper. This goal sent a wave of excitement through the Chapecoense supporters, who hoped to see their team lift the trophy.
However, Avaí's response was swift, as they continued to press for an equalizer. The turning point came when a chaotic moment led to the penalty being awarded, which allowed the players of Avaí to regroup and reassert their dominance. Following Brock's equalizer, the match saw Chapecoense desperately seeking a goal to reclaim the lead but lacked the firepower to pierce the resolute Avaí defense.
The defensive efforts from Avaí were commended, particularly in the face of counter-attacks from Chapecoense, whose attempts were repeatedly thwarted by César, including a miraculous save from a close-range shot by Mário Sérgio late in the second half.
As the match drew to a close, the referee indicated an astonishing 17 minutes of stoppage time. This prompted a flurry of late drama as both teams battled fatigue and frustration. The atmosphere in the stadium was electric, filled with anticipation as fans rooted for their respective teams during the final moments.
In addition to the thrilling competition, a minute of silence was held prior to the match in memory of club legends Gilberto Lopes (Fatia), Edgard Demoro, and Paulo Steinwandter, all of whom had recently passed away. This tribute not only honored their legacy but also deepened the emotional connection for the fans present, adding a poignant layer to the day’s event.
The significance of this match extends beyond just the trophy; it reflects the emotional investment of the fans, players, and the rich history of football in Santa Catarina. Avaí's win cements their legacy and sets the stage for upcoming seasons as they prepare to defend their title.
As both teams look ahead, Avaí aims to carry this momentum into the Série B of the Campeonato Brasileiro, where they will face Novorizontino, while Chapecoense is set to take on CRB. The lessons learned from this final will undoubtedly influence their preparations in the weeks to come.
With the victory on March 22, 2025, Avaí now stands proud as the most decorated club in the history of the Campeonato Catarinense, having transcended the competition landscape by surpassing their rivals, Figueirense, who trail with 18 titles. The future looks bright for the Leão da Ilha, as they revel in this momentous achievement and anticipate what lies ahead.
