The highly anticipated match between Chapecoense and Joinville will take place on Saturday, February 22, at 16:30 (Brasília time) at the Estádio Josué Annoni located in Xanxerê, Santa Catarina. This match is part of the 11th round of the Campeonato Catarinense, and it is pivotal for both teams as they strive for playoffs.
Chapecoense enters the game with the ambition of securing their position within the top four, which would allow them to play the following knockout rounds on home turf. Currently sitting at fifth place with 15 points, they are eager to close the first round on a high note. A victory against Joinville is not just desirable, but necessary to improve their chances. Should they win, they also need other results—specifically losses by teams like Figueirense, Santa Catarina, and Criciúma—to potentially climb the ranks to second place, depending on the outcome of those matches.
On the other hand, the Joinville Esporte Clube (JEC), with 13 points and currently eighth, aims to confirm their passage to the next phase of the competition after avoiding relegation following their thrilling 4-3 comeback win against Santa Catarina. While they require a win to guarantee their advancement, they could secure their spot with just a draw, provided other teams also drop points. The stakes are high for both teams.
Regarding logistics, fans must be aware of ticketing details for the game. The Estádio Josué Annoni has limited capacity, accommodating 2,654 spectators. Chapecoense's fans can enjoy covered grandstand seating for R$ 60.00, with half-price tickets available for R$ 30.00. For visitors, tickets are priced at R$ 40.00 for general admission and R$ 20.00 for half price. The sale of tickets online commenced on February 17 and will be open until 23:59 on February 21, with additional sales at the venue on match day.
Chapecoense will face the match without key players Giovanni Augusto and Pedro Martins, both suspended due to accumulated yellow cards. Coach Gilmar Dal Pozzo will need to modify his line-up significantly. The current expected line-up features João Paulo as goalkeeper, with Victor Caetano, Bruno Leonardo, and Jhonnathan fortifying the defense. Midfield duties are likely to fall to Mailton, Jiménez, Eduardo Person, and Marcinho, whereas forwards Dentinho and Mário Sérgio are expected to lead the strike.
Joinville, led by Hemerson Maria, is not hindered by any suspensions and welcomes back Naldo, who has completed his suspension. Their probable formation will be Bruno Pianissolla guarding the net, with Danilo Belão, Guti, Leo Rigo, and Ernandes forming the defensive line. Yalle, Vini Paulista, and Júlio César will handle the midfield, as Marcos Brazion and Cristian Renato take the attacking roles.
The refereeing for the match will be overseen by Willian Machado Steffen, with João Victor Aparecido Donner Macedo and Adenilson Teófilo Cardoso assisting, ensuring fair play throughout the encounter.
Fans can catch the exciting match live on the NSC Total YouTube channel, with coverage starting at 16:00. The narrative of this showdown promises to be thrilling, marked by both teams’ aspirations and necessity for points.
Historically, Chapecoense and Joinville have faced off 174 times, with Joinville holding the upper hand with 65 victories compared to Chapecoense's 48 wins and 61 draws. Their last meeting was during the 2024 Copa Santa Catarina, where Chapecoense won 1-0, eliminating Joinville from contention.