The Jaraguá Futsal team has officially reclaimed its position at the top of the Liga Nacional de Futsal (LNF) after 14 long years, making their fifth title victory sweeter than ever.
On December 15, 2024, at the Centro Municipal de Eventos Sérgio Luiz Guerra in Carlos Barbosa, Rio Grande do Sul, Jaraguá triumphed over Praia Clube from Minas Gerais, securing their storied reputation as one of the richest teams in Brazilian futsal history.
The match was nothing short of thrilling, finishing 2-2 after regulation and 1-1 after overtime, leading to a nail-biting penalty shootout where Jaraguá emerged victorious at 6-5.
This remarkable victory marked the first time Jaraguá has been crowned champions of the LNF since their last title back in 2010 and is now tied with ACBF as the largest winners of the tournament. The road to this championship was immense, not just for the players but for the loyal fans who traveled over 500 kilometers to support their team.
The game began dramatically, with Praia Clube taking the lead at 13 minutes when the prominent forward Gilvan, the league's top scorer with 30 goals, executed a clever backheel shot to put the Minas team on the scoreboard.
But Jaraguá quickly responded: just five minutes later, after persistent offensive pressure, Bruninho equalized with a brilliant play from the rebound off the opposition's goalkeeper, Gian Wolverine.
After halftime, Jaraguá managed to surge 2-1 ahead thanks to Pedrinho’s strategic kick, capitalizing on Marcênio's build-up play through the wings.
With the excitement reaching its peak, Claudinho countered for Praia Clube two minutes later, making it 2-2 and pushing the match to extra time.
Overtime continued without goals until the final stages, where Bruninho scored again, seemingly sealing the deal for Jaraguá. But with only 22 seconds remaining, veteran player Cabreúva pulled off an incredible strike to once again level the score, sending the tense duel to penalties.
During the penalty shootout, every player hit their target until the final round where Yan scored for Jaraguá, setting the stage for goalkeeper Nicolas to deliver the saving moment by deflecting Rabisco’s kick, securing the historic win for Jaraguá.
The elation on the court was palpable as the players embraced, and the crowd erupted, celebrating what many believe to be the culmination of hard work and dedication throughout the season.
Eka, one of the standout players of the match, expressed his relief and happiness: "I know there are many teams deserving of this victory; it's been long work all year. We were heavily criticized, but we have shown resilience. I am very happy to have won. The shield we wear carries weight!"
Marcênio, reflecting on the match, noted the struggles with injuries during the season but reaffirmed how winning the LNF title holds immense value: "It was hard due to injuries, but it's fulfilling to come back and achieve this success with my team. I am grateful to everyone involved; this victory is deserved by all of us. "
Leco, providing insight from the sidelines, remarked, "I feel just as exhausted as the players on the floor. This win is something extraordinary." His comments highlighted the team's unity and hard work, emphasizing the sacrifices made by players returning from injuries to secure their triumph.
With 2024 bringing them the coveted fifth title, the future looks bright for Jaraguá Futsal. Next on their agenda is the return match of the Catarinense Championship finals against Joinville, which promises to be another exciting encounter.
The success doesn't just shine on the field; it resonates throughout the community of Jaraguá do Sul, proving the team’s deep-rooted connection with its supporters, who have remained steadfast through years of challenges.
Jaraguá’s remarkable comeback as pentacampeão serves not only as recognition of their past glories but also as the start of potentially many more victories to come, as they prepare for another year of competition and the chance to defend their title.
Indeed, December 15, 2024, marks not only the return of the "Locomotiva Amarela" as champions but also the continuation of their legacy as one of Brazil’s most respected futsal teams, ready to face new challengers for years to come.
