The Clube do Remo faced São Raimundo-RR on Thursday night, April 6, 2025, under unusual circumstances. The team, known as "Leão" (Lion), played without their loyal fans present at the stadium due to sanctions imposed by the Superior Tribunal de Justiça Desportiva (STJD) following incidents of crowd misconduct during a previous Série C game.
This match marked the team's debut in the Copa Verde 2025, taking place at the Baenão Stadium, located in Belém, Brazil, as part of the competition's second phase. Despite the absence of their traditional support, some dedicated supporters found ways to watch the game from the comfort of makeshift suites, reactivated for the occasion, perched above the stadium walls.
The restrictions did not end with the crowd ban. The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) announced no live video transmission of the match due to failure to secure broadcasting rights. Only audio commentary was available, allowing fans to listen to the game through local radio.
Starting with great expectations, Clube do Remo’s season has been filled with ups and downs. Coach Rodrigo Santana has been working diligently to optimize his squad, especially after their recent 2-2 draw against Capitão Poço, which highlighted the need for more precision during shooting opportunities. “I lament the draw, but I'm happy with what the team produced,” Santana stated. “We need to move forward; Thursday is another game, and we can’t afford to repeat the mistakes we made against Capitão Poço.”
The stakes were high for this encounter, not only for advancing the team’s position within the tournament but also for the morale of the players and coaching staff. The Copa Verde does not follow traditional round-robin formats — any match ending in a tie would lead directly to penalty shootouts determining the advancing team.
Addressing the squad’s expectations, Santana stressed the importance of maintaining focus and composure. He emphasized thorough preparation and tactical adjustments to adapt to São Raimundo-RR, described as a dangerous opponent. The coach’s lineup featured notable players such as Marcelo Rangel, Lucão, Rafael Castro, and Dodô, highlighting the mix of experience and skill integral to the team’s tactical approach.
On the other side, the São Raimundo-RR team, under the management of Chiquinho Viana, showcased players like Carlos Henrique and Ygor, who were ready to exploit any overzealous tactics from Remo. Their previous performances have set the benchmark for competitive gameplay throughout the league.
Despite the significant impediment of the closed doors, fans managed to rally around their team through social media, providing support through digital platforms and local radio broadcasts. The desperate hope for fan engagement continues as many followers expressed how much they missed their traditional game-day experiences.
The adverse effects of the STJD's decision were felt throughout the organization. Players reported feeling the absence of their supporters' energy, which typically fuels their competitive spirit on home ground. The team's management is optimistic about resolving this licensing issue, aiming to restore the recognizable spirit of Clube do Remo.
With the kick-off scheduled for 20:00 at the Mangueirão, the pressure was palpable. The players donned their blue and white jerseys, embodying the determined spirit of the Leão, as they prepared to take the field with the hope of progressing forward within the tournament and reclaiming their standing.
The upcoming weeks will be pivotal for the Clube do Remo not only to advance within the Copa Verde but also to navigate through the challenges presented by the restrictions. Success on the pitch could pave the way for the team to heal the rift with their passionate supporters, ensuring the legendary atmosphere of support returns to the stands for future matches.
This challenging initiation of the Copa Verde 2025 has set the stage for the league's various narratives, and as Remo navigates these early hurdles, many will be watching closely to see how the team's spirit holds up against adversity. Win or lose, the path taken by Clube do Remo will shape its identity for the rest of the season and beyond.