The Campeonato Pernambucano de Futebol reached its thrilling climax on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, with Sport Recife and Retrô clashing in a final that had fans on the edge of their seats at the iconic Ilha do Retiro stadium in Recife. The stakes were high as Sport sought to clinch their third consecutive title, while Retrô aimed for their first-ever state championship.
Sport entered the match with an advantage, having won the first leg 3-2 at Arena de Pernambuco. This lead meant that a draw would suffice for the Leão (Lion) to secure the title. However, the match was anything but straightforward, as both teams showcased their determination and skill.
The game kicked off with palpable tension, and it didn't take long for the action to unfold. At the 23-minute mark, Sport's Chico opened the scoring, capitalizing on a defensive mishap from Retrô following a corner kick. His powerful shot sent the home crowd into a frenzy, and it seemed that Sport was on their way to another title.
However, Retrô quickly responded, equalizing in the 36th minute. Fernandinho made a brilliant run down the right flank and delivered a precise cross that found Mascote, who expertly headed the ball past Sport's goalkeeper, Caíque França. The match was now tied, and the momentum began to shift.
The second half saw Retrô take control, and just 11 minutes after the restart, Fernandinho struck again. This time, he curled a stunning free-kick into the top corner, putting Retrô ahead 2-1. With the aggregate score now at 4-4, the tension in the stadium escalated as both teams fought fiercely for the championship.
As the clock wound down, Sport faced a significant challenge when Sérgio Oliveira received a red card for a foul on Júnior Fialho, leaving the home side a man down. Despite the setback, Sport held on, and the match concluded with a dramatic 2-1 victory for Retrô in regulation time.
With the aggregate score tied at 4-4, the championship would be decided by penalties. The shootout began with Sport stepping up to the mark first. All four of their penalty takers—Rivera, Chico, João Silva, and Carlos Alberto—successfully converted their shots. Retrô, however, faced a different fate. Diego Guerra, the son of Retrô's president, missed a crucial penalty that could have kept their hopes alive, while Caíque França made two brilliant saves, sealing the victory for Sport.
The final score in penalties was 4-2, marking Sport's 45th title in the history of the Campeonato Pernambucano. This victory solidified their status as the competition's most successful club, boasting an impressive 40.5% of all titles awarded. Furthermore, this win marked Sport's sixth tricampeonato, a remarkable achievement in their storied history.
Following the match, tensions flared when Carlos Alberto celebrated his successful penalty by mocking Diego Guerra, leading to a chaotic brawl on the pitch. Players from both teams exchanged blows, with Gledson from Retrô even landing a kick on a member of Sport's technical staff. This incident overshadowed what was otherwise a remarkable sporting event.
Sport's head coach, Pepa, expressed pride in his team's resilience, stating, "We showed our character today, especially in the penalties. The players held their nerve under pressure, and it paid off." Meanwhile, Retrô's coach lamented the missed opportunities, emphasizing the need for his team to learn from this experience as they continue to build for the future.
Looking ahead, Sport will next face Palmeiras on Sunday, April 6, 2025, in the second round of the Brasileirão. Retrô, on the other hand, will play against Tombense in their Série C opener on the same day. The excitement in Pernambuco continues as both teams aim to build on their respective journeys.
The 2025 Campeonato Pernambucano final will be remembered not only for the thrilling action on the field but also for the drama that unfolded off it. As Sport celebrates their hard-fought victory, Retrô will surely regroup and look to return stronger next season.
