São Raimundo-RR achieved a monumental milestone on February 27, 2025, by securing their place as the first club from Roraima to qualify for the semifinals of the Copa Verde, following a tense zero-zero draw against Amazonas at the Arena da Amazônia.
The match was particularly significant as it marked the culmination of São Raimundo-RR's solid performance throughout the tournament, having won the first leg 2-0. The team entered the return fixture with the comfortable cushion of their aggregate lead, which allowed them to adopt a more defensive strategy against their opponents' aggressive play.
During the match, Amazonas, needing at least two goals to force penalties or three for direct qualification, displayed offensive intentions from the outset. The home team pressed forward, creating opportunities but found themselves thwarted by São Raimundo-RR's well-organized defense. "O São Raimundo conquistou classificação histórica para as semifinais da Copa Verde, após empatar por 0 a 0" reported Hélio Garcias from São Raimundo-RR.
The first half ended without any scores, with São Raimundo-RR often opting for quick counter-attacks. Guigui’s free-kick almost found the back of the net, showcasing the team’s readiness to exploit any defensive lapses by Amazonas. Despite dominating possession, the Amazonas team struggled to convert ball control to scoring chances.
After the intermission, Amazonas continued to push offensively, desperate for the goals needed for their comeback. Their best attempt came early when Cocote unleashed a powerful shot from the middle of the field, only to be denied by São Raimundo-RR's goalkeeper, Carlos Henrique, who pulled off a remarkable save. The pressure from Amazonas intensified as the match wore on, but they still faltered at the final hurdle, unable to find the net.
"...com o regulamento debaixo dos braços, soube administrar a vantagem..." stated Garcias again, reflecting on São Raimundo-RR's tactical discipline as they absorbed the pressure and managed the closing minutes of the game effectively.
With the whistle signaling the end of the match, the score remained at 0-0. This result allowed São Raimundo-RR to progress to the semifinals based on their aggregate score of 2-0. They now await their next opponent, Paysandu, who qualified by defeating Manaus 4-1. The dates for the semifinal matches are yet to be confirmed by the CBF.
This historic achievement not only highlights São Raimundo-RR’s growth within Brazilian football but also emphasizes their determination and resilience throughout the tournament. The team’s next fixture is scheduled for March 2, where they will face GAS as part of the Roraimense Championship. Meanwhile, Amazonas shifts its focus to the final of the first round of the Campeonato Amazonense against Manaus, taking place on March 9.
Fans of both teams continue to rally around their clubs as they navigate these pivotal matches, marking significant moments of their respective seasons. For São Raimundo-RR, this Copa Verde campaign will go down as one of their most defining moments, setting the stage for future endeavors on the national scale.
The path is set for the semifinals, with São Raimundo-RR eager to build on this triumph and make more history against Paysandu.