Coritiba and Operário encountered each other on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at the Couto Pereira Stadium for the tenth round of the Campeonato Paranaense, resulting in a tightly contested 1-1 draw. This match, anticipated by both sets of fans, became notable due to not only the exciting gameplay but also because two players had to leave the field by ambulance due to health concerns.
The game started off evenly, with both teams showcasing strong defense and strategic play. Coritiba's Lucas Ronier opened the scoring shortly before halftime with an impressive strike, giving hope to the home fans. Yet, the excitement was marred when Jacy, the Operário midfielder, suddenly felt nauseated and collapsed on the pitch. Medical personnel quickly intervened, and after several minutes, it was confirmed he would be taken to Hospital do Pilar.
Just when the play resumed, Thalisson from Coritiba suffered a head injury during a challenging aerial duel with Keirrison, which also resulted in him being transported to the same hospital. Thankfully, club sources confirmed both players were conscious during their transportation and were simply precautionary measures by the medical staff.
While Coritiba managed to secure their lead with Ronier’s goal, it was not long before Operário was awarded a penalty after Moledo fouled Kleiton. Boschilia, the former Coritiba player, stepped up to take the kick but was thwarted by goalkeeper Pedro Morisco, who made a remarkable save, eliciting cheers from the home crowd.
The match resumed with Operário pressing hard for the equalizer, and they got their well-deserved goal when Rodrigo Rodrigues struck beautifully, leveling the score. The momentum seemed to shift, with both teams probing for the winner, but the strong defensive setup executed by both coaching teams kept the match tied.
Coritiba carried the idea of the result as both sides exchanged opportunities throughout the remaining minutes. The tactical play closely watched by fans translated to only five shots being fired from each side during the first half, indicating just how tight the encounter was.
Despite both teams showcasing moments of brilliance, the overall performance was marked by anxiety, especially considering the injuries witnessed during the match. The game was briefly halted due to the unavailability of ambulances after the early exits, creating tension across the stands.
After the fixture ended, Coritiba confirmed their progression to the quarter-finals with the draw, even though the encounter was quite challenging for their squad. They will face Paraná Clube next, which carries significant importance for their upcoming matches. On the other hand, Operário, who had already secured their playoff position, aims to maintain their competitive edge when they host Maringá.
This match provided numerous storylines: the incredible save from Morisco, the thrilling back-and-forth between two of the league's defensively strongest teams, and the concerning health scares of Jacy and Thalisson, adding layers of emotion to the competition.
With the draw behind them, both teams are focused on their next challenges, eager to capitalize on their moments of brilliance and learn from the experience of the tied match. The historical rivalry and underlying stakes make each match between these two teams iconic.