In a gripping encounter at the Estádio Aderbal Ramos da Silva, Criciúma edged out Avaí with a 2-1 victory, showcasing their resilience and tactical prowess. The match began with both teams feeling each other out, but it was Criciúma who struck first in the 39th minute through R. Otero, who capitalised on a defensive lapse to put his side ahead. Avaí, despite enjoying more possession, struggled to convert their control into clear-cut chances, and they found themselves trailing at half-time.
The second half saw Criciúma double their lead just a minute after the restart, as Fellipe Mateus scored with a well-placed shot following an assist from Diego Gonçalves. This early goal put Avaí on the back foot, but they responded quickly, with Paulo Vitor finding the net in the 49th minute, assisted by Douglas Teixeira, reigniting hopes for the home side. The match then became a battle of attrition, with both teams exchanging blows but failing to find the decisive touch to alter the scoreline further.
As the game progressed, Avaí pushed for an equaliser, but Criciúma’s defence held firm, absorbing pressure and countering effectively. The match concluded with a flurry of substitutions and yellow cards, reflecting the intensity of the contest. Ultimately, Criciúma’s ability to convert their chances and maintain composure under pressure secured them a vital three points in their Serie B campaign.