Guarani Futebol Clube delivered a resounding performance on February 6, 2025, defeating Água Santa with an emphatic 4-0 scoreline at the Estádio Brinco de Ouro, Campinas. This victory was pivotal for Guarani, who reclaimed the leadership of Group B with 10 points, leaving them positioned favorably as the Paulista Championship progresses.
The match was marked by Guarani's intense approach from the outset. Within minutes, they were pressing the Água Santa defense relentlessly. It was Nathan Camargo who opened the scoring at the 12-minute mark with a stunning shot from outside the penalty area. His goal set the tone for what was to be an eventful first half.
Shortly after, at the 19-minute mark, João Marcelo doubled the lead with another spectacular long-range effort, showcasing the offensive skills and confidence of the Guarani squad. By the time João Victor found the net at 42 minutes, following up on a rebound, it became evident the match was slipping away from Água Santa.
Even before the halftime whistle, Deni Júnior capitalized on defensive slip-ups from the visitors, finishing with precision just before the break. Leading 4-0, Guarani had already extinguished any hopes of a comeback from Água Santa, who struggled to find their footing throughout the first half.
Água Santa's troubles were compounded by defensive disorganization, which Guarani exploited effectively. The visitors faced additional challenges when midfielder Netinho received a red card for a challenge, only for the penalty to be downgraded to yellow after the VAR review. Despite this reprieve, the damage was done, and the team appeared lost on the pitch.
After the break, Guarani slowed their pace, opting for ball control and smart game management. They continued to apply pressure but allowed Água Santa some moments of potential threat. The first real chance for the visitors came around the 20-minute mark of the second half, when Villian's effort was turned away by Guarani goalkeeper Gabriel Mesquita.
Guarani's defensive shape remained resolute, managing the game comfortably. Although they had opportunities to extend their lead, including a disallowed fifth goal for offside, they were content to see out the match and secure three important points.
Looking forward, Guarani's next challenge will be against fierce local rivals Ponte Preta on February 9, 2025. This encounter is particularly significant for the team as it will test their momentum coming off this dominant victory. Meanwhile, Água Santa, still struggling at the bottom of Group C with only 4 points from seven matches, will be up against Palmeiras on the same day, desperately needing points to avoid relegation concerns.
This victory not only reinforces Guarani's intent to compete for the top spots in the Paulista Championship but also casts doubt on Água Santa's ability to recover as they fight against relegation. Guarani's blend of youthful flair and experienced leadership may prove pivotal as they aim to navigate the remainder of the competitive season. The strong showing on the pitch, led by standout performances from players like Nathan Camargo and João Marcelo, suggests they are gearing up for even greater challenges ahead.