Belém is buzzing with excitement as Clube do Remo prepares to face Santa Rosa in a decisive quarterfinal match of the Campeonato Paraense on Sunday, March 30, 2025. Kickoff is set for 17:00 (Brasília time) at the iconic Estádio Mangueirão, a venue expected to be filled to capacity with passionate fans supporting the Leão Azul in their quest for a semifinal spot.
After a tumultuous start to the year, the Remo squad, currently sitting atop the Campeonato Paraense standings with 17 points, is eager to maintain their unbeaten record at home. They finished the first phase with a strong performance, boasting five wins, two draws, and only one loss. The team scored 18 goals while conceding just six, showcasing a solid defense and a potent attack.
However, the road to this quarterfinal has not been without its challenges. The club's last match on March 11, 2025, ended in a disappointing 2-1 defeat against Criciúma in the Copa do Brasil, leading to the dismissal of head coach Rodrigo Santana. Santana, who previously guided the team to promotion to Série B, was under immense pressure following the loss and the earlier elimination from the Copa Verde. In a swift move, the club appointed Daniel Paulista as the new head coach, but his time to prepare for the Santa Rosa match was limited due to the suspension of the Parazão since March 3.
Santa Rosa, on the other hand, enters this match as the eighth seed, having qualified for the quarterfinals with a total of 10 points. Despite a rocky campaign with three wins, one draw, and four losses, the team managed to secure their place by defeating São Francisco in a heroic effort. Under the guidance of coach Netão, Santa Rosa aims to upset the odds and advance further in the competition.
The upcoming clash not only holds significance for the teams but also for their respective fan bases. Remo's supporters, known as Fenômeno Azul, are expected to fill the stands, creating an electrifying atmosphere. The Mangueirão, with a capacity of about 35,000, will undoubtedly serve as a cauldron of noise and color as fans rally behind their team.
Both teams have been gearing up for this critical encounter. Remo has focused on refining their offensive strategies during training, while Santa Rosa has been working on its defensive organization, hoping to stifle Remo's attacking threats. The matchup is particularly crucial as it is the first leg of the knockout round, where the outcome could set the tone for the return fixture.
In terms of player lineups, Remo will feature goalkeeper Marcelo Rangel, defenders Kadu, Alvariño, Klaus, and Sávio, midfielders Caio Vinicius, Jaderson, and Dodô, and forwards Janderson, Pedro Rocha, and Ytalo. Santa Rosa counters with goalkeeper Fernando Caixeta, defenders Cristian, Diego Macedo, Davi, and João Victor, midfielders Otávio, Yure, Ameixa, and Adauto, and forwards PH and Flavinho.
Fans who cannot attend the match in person will still be able to catch all the action live. The game will be broadcast on TV Cultura and the Canal do Benja on YouTube, ensuring that supporters can follow their teams from afar.
Historically, Remo has had the upper hand in recent encounters, winning four of the last five matches against Santa Rosa. In 2024, they faced off twice during the first phase of the Parazão, with Remo claiming victories of 3-0 and 2-1. However, Santa Rosa managed to secure a draw in their last meeting in 2023, demonstrating that they can pose a challenge even against higher-ranked opponents.
The stakes are high for both clubs. For Remo, a victory would not only solidify their status as title contenders but also allow them to rotate their squad for the second leg. Conversely, Santa Rosa needs a positive result to keep their hopes alive of making it to the semifinals for the first time in their history.
The weather in Belém on Sunday is expected to be typical for the region, with temperatures ranging from 28°C to 32°C and high humidity. The possibility of sporadic rain could impact the playing conditions, but both teams are prepared for the challenge. The Mangueirão, recently renovated, is ready to handle the elements, and both coaching staffs will likely adjust their strategies to adapt to the field conditions.
As the match approaches, ticket sales have been brisk, with prices set at R$ 40 for stands and R$ 80 for seats. Fans have been eagerly purchasing tickets, and the expectation is for a packed house, with Remo's supporters leading the charge. The atmosphere promises to be electric, with the Fenômeno Azul mobilizing efforts on social media to fill the stadium.
Individual performances will be key in this encounter. For Remo, veteran striker Muriqui, who has previously played for clubs like Vasco and Atlético-MG, is a player to watch. His experience and leadership could prove vital in a high-pressure knockout situation. In the midfield, Jaderson and Pavani will be tasked with orchestrating play and setting the tempo. For Santa Rosa, goalkeeper Claudio Vitor has emerged as a standout performer this season, making crucial saves that have kept his team in contention. Flávio, with two goals to his name, will be looking to exploit any defensive lapses from Remo.
As the teams prepare to face off, predictions lean towards a Remo victory, with many expecting a scoreline of 2-0, driven by goals from Muriqui and Maxwell. However, Santa Rosa's resilience cannot be underestimated, and they have the potential to secure a draw if they can effectively neutralize Remo's attack.
This matchup is not just a game; it's a battle for pride, history, and a place in the semifinals of the Campeonato Paraense. With both teams bringing their best to the pitch, fans can expect an exhilarating contest filled with drama and intensity. As the whistle blows at 17:00, all eyes will be on the Mangueirão, where legends may be born and dreams could be realized.
