Paysandu secured their spot in the semifinals of the Copa Verde with a commanding 4-1 victory over Manaus at Arena da Amazônia, marking a decisive moment for the team after the first leg ended in a scoreless draw. The encounter showcased the firepower of Paysandu, as they produced strong offensive plays and capitalized on their opportunities.
The match kicked off dramatically, with Paysandu’s Borasi netting the opening goal just one minute after kick-off. Utilizing the left flank effectively, he received a well-placed pass, sprinted forward, and deftly finished past Manaus goalkeeper Gustavo. The early goal set the tone for the match, sending shockwaves through the home crowd.
Despite trailing, Manaus responded swiftly and two minutes later nearly leveled the score. Miliano's strike from the edge of the area tested Paysandu goalkeeper Matheus Nogueira, but it was saved expertly. The Gavião, as Manaus is nicknamed, would find moments to threaten but often couldn’t convert, with their best chance coming as Renanzinho converted from the penalty spot at 18 minutes after Zé Augusto was fouled in the box.
Paysandu quickly regained momentum with another goal at the 12-minute mark. Following Borasi’s relentless play, Rossi made his mark by tapping home from close range, doubling the visitors' lead. With tensions mounting, the score stood at 2-1, leaving the match wide open.
Just when it seemed like momentum was swinging, Matheus Nogueira, the Paysandu goalkeeper, showcased his skills once again, thwarting chances from Manaus. The defensive unit held firm, allowing Paysandu to remain composed. Nurturing their two-goal advantage, they tightened up their formation and controlled the game pace.
After the half-time break, Manaus pushed urgently for the equalizer, showing intent but lacking finishing sharpness. Their task grew more difficult when Bryan Borges received his second yellow card, reducing Manaus to ten men at the 67th minute. With this numerical advantage, Paysandu capitalized on the opportunity.
Just moments later, Delvalle struck again for Paysandu, pushing the lead to 3-1 as he finished crisply after Rossi’s assist. This goal proved pivotal, giving Paysandu the momentum needed to dominate the game fully.
Later, Giovanni added insult to injury for Manaus by converting from the penalty spot after being fouled himself within the box. His clinical finish sealed the match at 4-1, solidifying Paysandu’s position and sending the Gavião home disappointed.
With this victory, the reigning champions, Paysandu, await the outcome of the matchup between Amazonas and São Raimundo-RR, to determine their next opponent. The winning team from this encounter will face Paysandu, making the stakes higher for both teams.
Reflecting on the match, the manager of Paysandu stated, “We played with great determination and attained the result we needed.” His sentiments were echoed by commentators who praised his squad's organization and strength throughout the game. They highlighted the tactical discipline and resilience of the team, noting how those traits were on full display during this pivotal match.
Meanwhile, Manaus has to shift focus back to domestic duties as they prepare for their next match against Atlético Mineiro for the Copa do Brasil. The manager of Manaus remarked, “We need to rebuild and focus on what’s next.” The transition will be important as they regroup after this setback.
Paysandu’s attacking display and defensive fortitude secured the victory, demonstrating why they are regarded as one of the formidable teams within the competition. With the semifinals on the horizon, they will aim to repeat their success and continue their title defense.