Maringá FC celebrated a significant home victory over Coritiba, winning 2-0 on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at Estádio Willie Davids, during the first leg of the Campeonato Paranaense quarterfinals. The match was attended by 6,134 fans, with 5,223 paying spectators contributing to revenues totaling R$ 122,860.00.
The first half of the game proved to be intense but scoreless. Coritiba's midfielder, Machado, was sent off with a red card after he committed a foul to prevent a clear goal-scoring opportunity for Maringá, which left his team with 10 players just before halftime. This created significant momentum for Maringá going forward.
With the second half just underway, Maringá quickly capitalized on their numerical advantage. Max Miller, the standout player of the match, scored the opening goal just one minute after the restart. He connected with a corner kick taken by Edison Negueba, heading the ball off the post before slotting home the rebound. This goal injected new energy and confidence within the Maringá squad.
Coritiba, now forced to adopt a more defensive posture due to their one-man disadvantage, struggled to assert themselves as they did earlier. Despite their best efforts, the team was unable to create significant chances and began to show signs of frustration.
Max Miller, not done yet, added another goal for Maringá at the 38-minute mark of the second half, scoring again from close range after the Coritiba goalkeeper, Pedro Morisco, could not secure the ball from another corner kick. This second goal stretched the score to 2-0, solidifying Maringá's position for the upcoming second leg.
The final whistle blew after six minutes of stoppage time, and Maringá celebrated their victory, which gives them favorable odds heading to the return match against Coritiba scheduled for March 9, 2025, at the Estádio Couto Pereira, Curitiba. They can lose by up to one goal and still advance to the next round.
Meanwhile, Maringá's focus will now shift to their upcoming match on February 25, 2025, against Juventude, part of the first phase of the Copa do Brasil, where they will hope their winning momentum continues.
Overall, Maringá FC's performance highlighted their potential and strengthened their resolve as they look to advance both in the Campeonato Paranaense and prepare for the challenges the Copa do Brasil will present. The mastery displayed by Max Miller and the team’s tactical execution serve as indicators of the promising future awaiting this squad.