Maringá FC is set to make history as they take on Juventude this Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at the Estádio Regional Willie Davids, with kickoff at 19:30 (Brasilia time). This initial matchup of the Copa do Brasil brings not only the thrill of competition but also substantial financial rewards; the victor will walk away with significant earnings from the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF).
Following their recent triumph over Coritiba with a score of 2-0, Maringá FC is eager to keep the momentum alive against Juventude, who holds the upper hand as a well-established team from Série A. If Maringá FC emerges victorious, they stand to gain R$ 1 million, whereas Juventude, due to their higher ranking, could pocket R$ 1,847,250.
The Copa do Brasil operates with different prize amounts depending on the groups, placing Maringá FC within Group 3, which includes teams from lower divisions like Série C and D. Regardless of the match outcome, simply participating guarantees Maringá FC R$ 830,000.
"We have been preparing well for this match, and it’s important for our players to feel the support from our fans," said Jorge Castilho, head coach of Maringá FC. The team aims to capitalize on its home advantage, having never been eliminated from the Copa do Brasil in the opening round during their previous three participations.
This year marks the third consecutive appearance for Maringá FC, and the team has made noteworthy strides; last year, they made it to the round of 16 before being defeated by Flamengo with a cumulative score of 8-4, even after initially securing victory against them. Now, they are set on achieving even greater heights this season.
For Juventude, the challenge is to avoid underestimations. They’ve recently engaged with clubs from higher stakes and have sustained their presence at the top of the Campeonato Gaúcho. The team, grappling with injuries to key players, is nonetheless determined to showcase their strength against Maringá FC. Jorge Castilho acknowledges the prowess of the Juventude team, stating, "They’re performing well, and we will need every ounce of energy from our supporters when the whistle blows. This is not just another match; it’s about building our future."
Ticket sales have been brisk, with over 4,000 already sold for the match, and expectations continue to grow, anticipating up to 16,226 attendees. Prices range from R$ 30 for the half-price tickets to R$ 100 for full fare on the sitting stands. The stadium's gates will welcome fans starting from noon on match day, with generous discounts available for those bringing non-perishable food as part of their entry.
"We are excited to see so many fans supporting us," Maringá's management noted. The community's engagement is set to boost team morale as they charge onto the pitch. Despite the hot weather, the overall sentiment among fans and players alike is one of optimism and belief.
With historical matches indicating balance between both teams—seeing one win apiece during their last two encounters—the upcoming event promises to maintain the competitive edge. Maringá FC aims to leverage the experience gathered from previous Copa campaigns and infuse it with the supportive energy of their loyal fan base. Stakeholders believe this match could set the stage for future successes and enhancements to the club's infrastructure, all facilitated by the invaluable prize money.
Live coverage of the match will be available through streaming with Amazon Prime, allowing fans from both camps to stay connected and cheer their teams on. The buildup leading to this much-anticipated clash hints at not just sporting excellence but also potential for historic achievement for Maringá FC.