On January 4, 2025, Retro FC from Pernambuco and Moto Club from Maranhão will clash in the preliminary round of the Copa do Nordeste, scheduled to kick off at 19:30 at the Arena de Pernambuco. This match is pivotal as it will determine who advances to the next round of this prestigious regional tournament. For Retro FC, the stakes are particularly high as they aim to leverage their recent success.
Coming off a remarkable 2024 season where Retro FC clinched the Série D title, the team has boosted its roster with notable signings, including midfielder Fabinho, formerly of Sport, and defender Walce (previously of São Paulo). According to Fabinho, "I am very happy and excited for this 2025 season. Retro is a club that's been growing every year, champion. You can count on me, as I will be a warrior on the field." The coaching reins are held by Dico Wooley, who has previously led the team and is set to make his return.
The team boasts returning stars like Mascote, who holds the record as the club's all-time leading scorer with 24 goals, alongside the energetic attacker, Fernandinho. Despite the anticipated excitement, Retro will be without their defender Mendonça due to injury.
On the other hand, Moto Club is striving to surmount historical challenges. They have never advanced past the preliminary phase of the Copa do Nordeste, and this season marks their fourth attempt. Also under the guidance of Zé Augusto, who helmed the team during their last successful encounter against Retro FC two years ago, Moto Club seeks to turn the tide on their previous matchups
Recently, Moto Club has revamped its lineup, acquiring reinforcements including Felipe Dias (formerly of Paysandu) and midfielder Danilo Pires (formerly of Santa Cruz). Yan Cristian, one of Moto's defenders, commented on the team’s preparation, stating, "We are gradually assimilatin the game scheme, especially the defensive transition. Thank God we are having good preseason training. I am sure our team will perform strongly this season." The team has recently engaged in five friendly matches, achieving one victory and four draws.
With the match structured as a single knockout encounter, if the game ends level at the final whistle, it will proceed directly to penalties—a format sure to evoke tension on both sides. The anticipation heightens, particularly for Retro FC, who has come incredibly close to advancing in past seasons.
Notably, Retro FC has knocked on the door of advancement three consecutive times after failing to qualify for the group stage. They were thwarted by Moto Club previously, back when they faced off during the 2021 preliminary round. That match ended 3-2 in favor of Moto Club, and Retro FC has history to amend. Last year, Retro FC made tremendous strides, but missed advancement after defeat to Juazeirense.
Looking at the upcoming encounter, Retro FC is touted as the favorite owing to their recent form and home-ground advantage. The statistics provide insight, with Retro losing only one of their last five matches, contrasting sharply with Moto Club, who has suffered four losses among their last five contests.
Overall, fans and analysts alike will be keeping their eyes firmly fixed on the action at the Arena de Pernambuco. The encounter holds significance not just for the immediate outcome but also for the future trajectories of both clubs. The referee for the match is set to be José Magno do Nascimento, with assistance from Luis Carlos de França Costa and Reinaldo de Souza Moura. Viewers can catch all the action live on Premiere.