In a thrilling showdown at the Ilha do Retiro, Sport Club do Recife emerged victorious, clinching their 45th Pernambuco championship title after a dramatic penalty shootout against Retrô. The match, held on the evening of April 2, 2025, saw Sport lose 2-1 in regular time, but they managed to secure a 4-4 aggregate score after winning the first leg 3-2. The tension escalated as the game concluded, culminating in a chaotic scene on the pitch.
The night began with high hopes for Sport, who were aiming for their third consecutive state title. The home team took the lead early on when defender Chico scored in the 23rd minute, capitalizing on a defensive mistake from Retrô. His powerful shot left goalkeeper Fabian Volpi with no chance, sending the home crowd into a frenzy. "CHICO ABRE O PLACAR NA ILHA DO RETIRO! 🔥 BORA BUSCAR ESSA TAÇA!" exclaimed Sport's official Twitter account.
However, Retrô quickly responded, leveling the match just before halftime. In the 36th minute, Mascote rose above the defense to head in a well-placed cross, making it 1-1 and setting the stage for a nail-biting second half.
The second half saw both teams fighting fiercely for control. Sport had a goal disallowed early on due to a foul, and tensions rose as the match progressed. In a pivotal moment, Fernandinho scored a stunning free-kick for Retrô in the 71st minute, giving them a 2-1 lead and forcing Sport to chase the game.
Despite being a man down after Sérgio Oliveira's red card for a harsh tackle, Sport kept pushing forward. They created several chances but were unable to find the back of the net, leading to a penalty shootout.
In the shootout, Sport displayed remarkable composure, converting all four of their penalties. Rivera, Chico, João Silva, and Carlos Alberto all found the net for Sport. Retrô, on the other hand, faced heartbreak as Diego Guerra and Lucas Grafite missed their attempts, allowing Sport to triumph 4-2 in the shootout.
As the final whistle blew, the atmosphere turned chaotic. Following the decisive penalty, Carlos Alberto's provocative celebration sparked a brawl between players from both teams. The situation escalated quickly, with punches thrown and officials struggling to restore order. The conflict only subsided when police intervened to separate the teams.
Sport's victory not only marked their 45th state title but also solidified their dominance in Pernambuco football, extending their lead over rivals Santa Cruz and Náutico, who have 29 and 24 titles, respectively. This championship is particularly sweet for Sport, as it represents their sixth consecutive Pernambuco title.
Looking ahead, Sport will be back in action on Sunday, April 6, 2025, when they host Palmeiras in the second round of the Série A Campeonato Brasileiro. Retrô, meanwhile, will face Tombense in their next match on April 12, 2025, in Série C, with the time yet to be determined.
This dramatic final will be remembered not just for the thrilling football but also for the intense emotions that spilled over into chaos on the field, showcasing the passion and rivalry that defines Brazilian football.
