On February 26, 2025, Caxias faced Dourados-MS at the Douradão Stadium and emerged victorious with a 2-0 scoreline, securing their place in the second phase of the Copa do Brasil. The victory came at the cost of battling not just the opposing team but also harsh weather conditions and the fatigue from travel.
The standout performer was Tomas Bastos, who scored both goals for the Grená side. His first goal came from the penalty spot at the 19-minute mark of the second half, which initiated Caxias's domination of the match. Shortly before the final whistle, he sealed the victory with his second goal, reminding fans of his talent and pivotal role within the team.
The match began with both teams eager to establish early dominance. Dourados attempted to disrupt Caxias's strategy, with Flaviano making the first attempt on goal just one minute after kick-off, though it posed no threat to keeper Victor Golas. Caxias responded quickly, with Welder finding the net only to have his goal disallowed for offside.
Despite Caxias controlling possession, the first half ended scoreless, with several missed opportunities highlighting both teams' struggles to convert chances. Dourados's defense held firm, allowing little room for Caxias to exploit. The intensity dipped as the first half progressed, with only sporadic efforts resulting in shots away from target.
The second half saw adjustments from Caxias as head coach Luizinho Vieira made pivotal changes, which would eventually pay off. When Gabriel Lima was substituted for Richard, his fresh energy translated directly to the team’s play. Just minutes after his entry, he assisted the first goal, passing to Welder, who was fouled within the box, leading to the penalty.
Tomas Bastos stepped up to take the penalty kick, showcasing his calm demeanor as he placed the ball deftly past Dourados keeper Felipe. Leading 1-0, Caxias gained momentum, pressing forward for more goals.
Dourados, now trailing, endeavored to fight back. Adson nearly leveled the score with a powerful shot, but Golas made a spectacular save to maintain his clean sheet. Later, Gabriel Barcos almost scored with his header, but Caxias’s defense held strong under pressure.
With the clock ticking down, Caxias made their mark once again. At the 49-minute mark, Tomas Bastos scored his second goal. After receiving the ball from Gabriel Lima, he expertly maneuvered within the defense and found the back of the net, solidifying Caxias's victory.
The final whistle blew, confirming the 2-0 scoreline and sending Caxias through to the next round of the tournament with R$ 1 million prize money, which is expected to bolster their financial standing for the rest of the season.
Now, Caxias awaits the winner of the match between Águia de Marabá and Fluminense, set to occur later on February 26. For fans and players alike, there’s plenty to look forward to as they continue their Copa do Brasil campaign.