In an intense battle for a coveted spot in the 2026 Copa do Brasil, CSA and CSE faced off on Wednesday night, April 2, 2025, at the Estádio Rei Pelé in Maceió. The first leg of this crucial qualifier ended in a stalemate, with both teams unable to find the back of the net, resulting in a 0-0 draw.
The match was marked by a strong defensive display from CSE, particularly from their goalkeeper Jeferson, who made several key saves to keep CSA at bay. Despite dominating possession and creating more scoring opportunities, the home team could not convert their chances into goals.
CSA, known as Azulão, entered the match looking to redeem themselves after a disappointing exit from the Copa Alagoas, where they were eliminated by CSE in the semifinals through a penalty shootout. Coach Higo Magalhães made significant adjustments to his lineup, bringing in Vidal and Marcão to strengthen the defense after the departures of Cedric and Wanderson.
On the other side, CSE, the champions of the Copa Alagoas, came into the match with confidence. Coach Carlos Eduardo Parreira opted to field a strong starting eleven, aiming to secure an advantage in the first leg of the qualifier. The team was bolstered by the return of midfielder Matheus Rosas, who had recovered from injury.
The first half saw CSA take the initiative, creating several promising chances. Brayann was particularly dangerous, testing Jeferson with a powerful shot that the goalkeeper expertly deflected. CSA continued to press, with attempts from Camacho and Igor Bahia, but they were thwarted by CSE's solid defense.
As the match progressed into the second half, the intensity remained high, but both teams struggled to maintain their earlier momentum. CSE began to find their rhythm, but their attacking efforts were limited, with only one notable chance coming from Galeguinho late in the game, which also failed to hit the target.
With the match concluding at 0-0, the teams will meet again for the decisive second leg on Sunday, April 6, 2025, at the Estádio Juca Sampaio in Palmeira dos Índios. If the second leg also ends in a draw, the tie will be resolved through a penalty shootout, adding an extra layer of tension to the upcoming clash.
The referee for the match was Denis da Silva Ribeiro Serafim, assisted by Rondinelle dos Santos Tavares and Wellington Tiago de Almeida, with José Ailton da Silva serving as the fourth official.
This matchup not only holds significance for the teams involved but also for the state of Alagoas, which has three spots available for the Copa do Brasil. The first two spots were claimed by the finalists of the Alagoano Championship, leaving the third to be contested between CSA and CSE.
Historically, the rivalry between these two teams has been fierce, with both clubs having their share of victories in recent encounters. In their previous two meetings in March 2025, CSA secured a narrow 1-0 victory in the first leg of the Copa Alagoas semifinals, only for CSE to turn the tables in the second leg with a 2-1 win, ultimately advancing through penalties.
As fans eagerly await the return leg, both teams are aware that every moment counts in this high-stakes contest. The pressure is on CSA to capitalize on their home advantage in the upcoming match, while CSE will look to carry their momentum from the Copa Alagoas into this crucial encounter.
With the draw leaving the tie finely balanced, both teams will need to sharpen their finishing skills and tighten their defenses to secure their place in the prestigious Copa do Brasil. Will CSA find a way to break through CSE's defenses in the return leg, or will the Tricolor Palmeirense continue their strong run? Only time will tell as the anticipation builds for this exciting showdown.
