In a thrilling encounter at the Estádio Germano Krügger in Ponta Grossa, Goiás Esporte Clube staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Operário-PR 2-1 on Saturday, April 12, 2025, in the second round of the Série B do Campeonato Brasileiro. The match saw all three goals scored in a dramatic second half, with Goiás securing their second consecutive victory in the league.
The first half of the match was a tense affair, concluding without any goals despite both teams creating opportunities. However, the second half ignited with action almost immediately. Just three minutes after the break, Goiás' coach Vagner Mancini was ejected, adding to the pressure on the visiting team.
Operário-PR took advantage of the situation, with Rodrigo Rodrigues scoring the opener at the 51-minute mark. Following a defensive error from Goiás, Rodrigues capitalized on a pass from Allan Godói, striking the ball powerfully into the net to give Operário a 1-0 lead.
Despite the setback, Goiás rallied back. The turning point came in the final minutes of the match. At 84 minutes, a cross from the right by Diego Caito found Talles, who inadvertently deflected the ball, leaving it perfectly positioned for Arthur Caíke to score the equalizer. Caíke, who has been a standout player for Goiás, made no mistake in converting the opportunity, leveling the score at 1-1.
Just two minutes later, Diego Caito, who had earlier provided the assist, became the hero of the match. With a powerful left-footed shot from outside the box, Caito struck the ball that hit the crossbar and bounced into the net, sealing a stunning 2-1 victory for Goiás. This goal marked Caito's first professional goal for the club, a moment he celebrated passionately.
In a post-match interview with ESPN, Caito expressed his joy, stating, "I want to highlight the strength of the group, which is a strong and united one. Before the game, there were some doubts due to the close proximity of two matches, but we had a focused week and I'm very happy. This group deserves it. It's Goiás until the end, and thanks to God, we managed to turn this result around and now we celebrate the victory.”
With this victory, Goiás maintains a perfect start to the season, accumulating 6 points and sitting in second place in the league standings. Their next challenge will be a highly anticipated classic against Vila Nova on Thursday, April 17, 2025, at 19:00 at the Estádio Hailé Pinheiro.
On the other hand, Operário-PR, despite the loss, remains competitive in the league with 3 points, currently positioned in ninth place. They will look to bounce back when they face Avaí on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at 20:00 at the Ressacada in Florianópolis.
The match showcased the resilience and determination of Goiás, who, after a rocky start, have now found their rhythm in the Série B. With players like Diego Caito stepping up, the team looks poised to make a significant impact this season. Fans are eager to see how they will perform in their upcoming fixtures as the competition heats up.
As the league progresses, the excitement continues to build, with every match crucial for the teams vying for promotion. The next round promises to deliver more thrilling action as teams battle for points and positioning.
