Pouso Alegre Futebol Clube celebrated a much-needed victory on Saturday, May 10, 2025, as they faced off against Nova Iguaçu Futebol Clube in the fourth round of the Brazilian Championship's Serie D. The match took place at the Estádio Manduzão in Pouso Alegre, starting at 17h (5 PM), and was marked by a strong performance from the home side.
With a crowd eager to support their team, Pouso Alegre took control early in the match. The breakthrough came just nine minutes into the first half when Thiago Rubim found the back of the net, capitalizing on a defensive error from Nova Iguaçu’s goalkeeper, Lucas Maticoli. Sandro initiated the play, advancing down the right flank before delivering a cross into the box. Maticoli misjudged the ball, allowing Rubim to score easily and put Pouso Alegre ahead 1-0.
The victory was crucial for Pouso Alegre, who were looking to bounce back after a disappointing 1-0 loss to Boavista in their previous match. With this win, they climbed to seven points in the standings, sharing the lead in Group A6 with Portuguesa and Boavista. This win also marked a return to form for the team, who had been seeking to solidify their position in the playoff race.
Despite the narrow scoreline, it was evident that Pouso Alegre had the upper hand throughout the match. They created several more opportunities to extend their lead, but a combination of poor finishing and strong defending from Nova Iguaçu kept the scoreline at 1-0. The home side maintained pressure, demonstrating their intent to capitalize on their home advantage.
Nova Iguaçu, on the other hand, struggled to find their rhythm. The team, which has yet to secure a win this season, remains at the bottom of the group table with just two points from two draws and two losses. Their performance against Pouso Alegre highlighted the challenges they face as they seek to turn their fortunes around.
The match was not without its tensions, as Zavoli from Nova Iguaçu received a direct red card after expressing his frustration with the officiating. This incident added to the challenges facing the visitors, who were already struggling to mount a comeback.
Looking ahead, Pouso Alegre will face Maricá away on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at 18h (6 PM). This upcoming match is crucial as they aim to maintain their momentum and continue their pursuit of a playoff spot. Meanwhile, Nova Iguaçu will host Boavista in a regional classic on the same day, also at 16h (4 PM), as they look to secure their first victory of the season.
The Brazilian Championship's Serie D features a total of 64 clubs divided into eight groups, with each team playing in a round-robin format. The top four teams from each group will advance to the knockout stages after 14 rounds, with the ultimate goal of securing promotion to Serie C for the 2026 season. The competition's structure ensures that every match is critical, and teams are vying for every point available.
As the season progresses, the competition remains fierce, with clubs across Brazil aiming to rise through the ranks. Pouso Alegre's recent performance has rekindled hope among their supporters, while Nova Iguaçu must regroup and find a way to turn their season around.
In conclusion, the victory for Pouso Alegre not only boosts their confidence but also solidifies their position among the contenders in Group A6 of the Serie D. With the next matches on the horizon, both teams will be eager to make their mark and secure valuable points in the ongoing campaign.
