On February 26, 2025, the Estádio Waldomiro Borges will become the battleground for the first official meeting between Jequié Futebol Clube and Retrô Futebol Clube as they open the Copa do Brasil. The match, which kicks off at 19:30 Brasília time, holds significant stakes for both teams as they strive for advancement and the financial rewards tied to the competition.
The Jequié team approaches this match after facing struggles earlier this season, having suffered elimination from the Campeonato Baiano. With two wins, three draws, and four losses across their nine matches played so far, Jequié is eager to shift focus to the Copa do Brasil and make the most of their remaining opportunities this year.
On the other hand, Retrô has had a season filled with achievements. They recently celebrated their promotion to Série C and are currently engaging their efforts to maintain momentum after finishing sixth to qualify for the next stage of the Pernambucano. Despite facing some setbacks this season—including a 3-1 defeat against Central—Retrô is optimistic, counting on the strength of their squad and recent undefeated streaks.
The match will not only feature teams competing for their place but will also be compressed with more pressure due to changes made by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF). New regulations stipulate there will be no advantage for the visiting team involving ties; if the game ends in equality, penalties will determine who advances. This shift adds urgency and unpredictability to the matchup.
The tactical choices for both teams will be particularly interesting. Jequié's expected lineup includes Thiago Passos, Wanderson Lima, Sérgio Baiano, Jean, and Gilmar at the back, with Azevedo, Gregory, and João Grilo effectively orchestrated through midfield. Up front, Vicente and Tiago Recife will pose potential threats to the Retrô defense, which must remain vigilant.
Retrô's probable starting formation will feature Fabian Volpi in goal, assisted by Gedeílson, Rayan, Walce, and Luiz Henrique forming the defensive line. Midfield will see Jonas, Fabinho, and Radsley combining efforts, and their attacking front will include offensive players like Júnior Fialho, Fernandinho, and Mascote. Although they’re dealing with injuries to key players like zagueiro Mendonça and meia Diego Guerra, the team’s depth allows for faithfulness to their competitive strategy.
This encounter is particularly unique since it marks the first-ever official match between the two sides. Despite Jequié having home advantage and local supporter intensity on their side, Retrô’s recent form, coupled with their experience, suggests they will be key challengers as the clock ticks down to kickoff.
Fans will have limited options to watch this clash. Neither traditional TV broadcasts nor streaming platforms will present the match live; nevertheless, followers can turn to sports news portals for updates on every action—bringing excitement even for those unable to be on-site.
The stakes couldn't be higher, with both teams vying for the R$ 1 million prize awarded to successful competitors at this early stage of the tournament. Every moment will be pivotal as they battle not just for the win but for survival and pride, amplified by the rush characteristic of knockout football.
With the weather forecast indicating potential cloud cover and mild temperatures, conditions may add to the players' challenges, emphasizing the physical demands athletes face on the pitch, even more during this knockout setting. Both teams have undergone their fair share of ups and downs recently, intertwining their hopes with the first chapter of this Copa do Brasil saga.
So as Jequié takes to the field against Retrô, the anticipation builds. Will the seasons’ struggles serve as motivation, or will the fortitude of Retrô’s experience guide them through the storm? Fans are on the edge of their seats, ready for what promises to be an ever memorable evening of Brazilian football.