Maringá FC and Operário Ferroviário Esporte Clube faced off today in the first leg of the 2025 Campeonato Paranaense final at the Estádio Regional Willie Davids in Maringá, Brazil. This highly anticipated match began at 16:00 local time, with broadcast coverage provided by NSPorts on YouTube and RICtv/Record on open television.
This final marks a significant moment for both teams, as Maringá FC is on the hunt for its first Campeonato Paranaense title, while Operário looks to seize victory and recapture glory for the first time since 2015. With a ten-year gap since their last final, this clash symbolizes not just a football match, but a battle for pride and legacy.
Under the management of Jorge Castilho, Maringá FC stepped onto the field with determination. The squad missed two critical players due to injuries: Iago Santana and Sávio Fernandes were sidelined, while another key player, Bruno Cheron, was a doubt because of his recovery from injury. Additionally, the team had to navigate suspensions, with Rodrigo and Ronald both unable to play due to accumulated yellow cards.
As for the line-up, Castilho fielded an assertive formation, hoping to establish dominance early in the match. The starting eleven included Dheimison; Raphinha, Tito, Max Miller, and Cauã Tavares; Buga, Vitinho (Lucas Bonifácio), Léo Ceará, and Negueba; with Maranhão and Moraes leading the attack.
Meanwhile, Operário Ferroviário, coached by Bruno Pivetti, maintained a formidable stance as they brought their own powerful line-up to the pitch. Despite injuries preventing Lucas Wingert and Jhemerson from participating, the team remained largely intact, ready to showcase its skills. Pivetti expressed confidence ahead of the encounter, declaring, "Our team is ready and we are aiming for the championship."
Operário's starting line-up featured Elias; Diogo Mateus, Allan Godói, Joseph, and Gabriel Feliciano; Jacy, Fransérgio, and Boschilia; with the attack comprising Allano, Rodrigo Rodrigues, and Vinícius Mingotti. Each player contributed to the team’s momentum, poised to capitalize on their strong showing in the earlier rounds of the tournament.
This 2025 final marks a unique event, given that both teams hail from the interior of Brazil, reviving a football rivalry and generating excitement among fans. Maringá FC has reached the final three times in the past four years, bringing a wealth of experience to the field. Their previous campaigns saw them facing formidable teams, yet they enter this match confident after recent solid performances that culminated in victories over Coritiba and Athletico Paranaense.
On the other hand, Operário, too, arrives at this final with a rich history in the Campeonato Paranaense, last securing the title in 2015. Their hunger to reclaim the championship after a lengthy absence from the finals adds a layer of emotional intensity to the game. Notably, their semi-final victories were hard-earned, with narrow escapes through penalty shootouts against the competition.
Referee Lucas Casagrande took charge of the match, with assistance from Bruno Boschilia and Luis Henrique Campanhoni. In addition to standard officiating, video assistant referees (VAR) José Mendonça, Luciano Roggenbaun, and Ronaldo Parpinelli monitored the game from above, committed to ensuring fair play and accuracy throughout the encounter.
As the match progressed, both teams displayed their strengths and determination. The game opened with intense back-and-forth movements, illustrating the stakes of this encounter. Players from both sides were eager to make their mark in the final, driving forward with strategic plays that captivated the audience.
The winner of the overall aggregate after the two legs will secure the Campeonato Paranaense trophy. Should the teams be tied after both matches, the championship title will be decided through a penalty shootout, increasing the tension and stakes as both clubs aspire to take home the coveted silverware.
After today’s match, the second leg will take place next Saturday, March 29, 2025, at 16:00 local time, at Estádio Germano Krüger in Ponta Grossa, with Operário holding the edge of playing at home due to their superior performance in the earlier phases of the tournament.
While Maringá searches for its first title, Operário seeks to prove its resilience, spelling a thrilling narrative for fans as both teams battle for ultimate glory in this year’s Campeonato Paranaense final.
