Marcílio Dias pulled off a thrilling comeback against Figueirense, securing their spot in the playoffs of the Campeonato Catarinense 2025 with a 2-1 victory on Saturday, February 22, 2025. Played at Estádio Dr. Hercílio Luz in Itajaí, the match saw a resilient Marcílio team overcome early adversity to triumph before 4,175 fans.
Figueirense took the lead early on with Reifit scoring in the first half. The striker showcased his skill by receiving the ball just outside the area before unleashing a stunning shot to the top corner, putting the visitors 1-0 up.
Marcílio, faced with potentially being relegated if things didn’t turn around, entered the second half with renewed determination. Geovany Soares emerged as the savior for the home team, finding the back of the net twice within eight minutes. His first goal came at the 33rd minute, where he capitalized on a pass from Levi, deftly maneuvering around the Figueirense goalkeeper before slotting the ball home to equalize.
Minutes later, Geovany struck again, sealing the victory for Marcílio with another incisive finish at the 41-minute mark. This remarkable turnaround allowed the Marinheiro to finish the first phase of the tournament at 8th place with 14 points, ensuring their progression to the quarter-finals.
On the other hand, Figueirense concluded the first stage of the championship in 6th position, earning 15 points. With this defeat, they are set to face local rivals Avaí in the playoff rounds, where they'll hope to redeem themselves after missing out on the top of the table.
The match was not without its tensions, with both teams pushing hard. The Figueirense defense had been solid throughout the first half, but as the match wore on, they struggled to contain Marcílio’s attacking intensity. Late-game efforts from Figueirense to level the score again showed their determination but fell short after multiple attempts.
Post-match comments gave insight to the emotions involved. Marcílio's coach Cristian de Souza expressed his relief, stating, "The victory guarantees our place and relieves the pressure of relegation." His focus now shifts to preparing his players for the challenge against Criciúma in the next round, where they aim to build on this positive momentum.
Conversely, Figueirense's coach Thiago Carvalho reflected on the match’s disappointment, saying, "We had the match under control but couldn’t maintain it until the end." His team's failure to score once more after taking the lead will undoubtedly weigh heavy on their plans for the upcoming match against Avaí.
This match emphasized both teams' tenacity and resilience. Marcílio's ability to respond under pressure serves as motivation, whereas Figueirense must regroup following this setback. Fans are eager to see how each team will adjust their strategies as they prepare for the challenges of the knockout stage.
With the scores now settled and eyes on the playoffs, the excitement surrounding the Campeonato Catarinense continues to build. Will Marcílio carry this momentum forward, or will Figueirense rebound strongly against their rival? Only time will tell as the tournament advances.