Avaí defeats Criciúma in the away classic and enters the top 4 of Serie B

Table of Contents

Avian victory in the bustling Santa Catarina derby. Avaí started stronger in the match, including having an early goal disallowed. But it didn't take long for the visitors to actually open the scoring. However, Criciúma increased the pace, equalized the game, and went on to score a second. It was only near the end of the match that Marcinho left Criciúma with one player less, and then Thayllon, a young product of Avaí's youth system, emerged to decide the game. Victory for the blue and white side, 2-1.

Now, Avaí is in fourth place in Serie B, with 23 points accumulated. On the other hand, Criciúma occupies the 15th position, with 16 points gained.

Intensity at Heriberto Hulse

The classic Santa Catarina match began better for the Avaianos side. At five minutes, Marquinhos Gabriel received from Cléber in the area and missed a great chance by shooting over the goal. One minute later, Mario Sergio managed to put the ball in the net for Avaí after a corner kick, but the goal was disallowed due to a foul on goalkeeper Alisson.

It was clear who would open the scoring at Heriberto Hulse. Dominant from the start and with possession, Avaí scored soon after: Marquinhos Gabriel received from the left at the edge of the area and played to Barreto invading the penalty box, who came out alone against the goalkeeper, shot low, got help from Alisson, and opened the scoring away from home.

However, the superiority of the Island Lion did not last long on the pitch. This is because Criciúma took control of the game and equalized at 1-1. Luiz Henrique received the ball over the top on the left wing, played a one-two with Nicolas, and crossed to the far post, where Jhonata Robert appeared behind the defense to strike with his right foot. The game was tied.

The match continued intense throughout, with danger for both sides. At 24 minutes, João Vitor took advantage of an error in the clearance and struck a powerful left-footed shot from outside the box, but Alisson stretched out completely to make a great save. A little later, at 37 minutes, Gui Lobo received the ball from Nicolas and fired a strong shot at the goal, but saw the ball graze the post and come very close.

The home team almost scored a few minutes after the last chance. Jhonata Robert took a venomous corner kick into the area, the ball stayed alive between the defenders, and Diego Gonçalves took advantage of the rebound to shoot firmly, but Mário Sérgio saved Avaí and cleared the ball on the line.

Avaí regains victory at the end

Despite Criciúma returning well for the second half, with Jhonata Robert having a dangerous shot one minute in, it was Avaí who came closer to scoring in the final 45 minutes, at least initially. At 14 minutes in, Andrey received the ball from Marquinhos Gabriel and shot strongly from the area, but the ball grazed the post.

It took a few minutes, but the Tiger finally set up his blitz against the rivals. With 19 minutes on the clock, Diego Gonçalves received inside the area and hit the crossbar. Two minutes later, Nicolas took a shot from the edge of the box and it was saved by Igor Bohn. And at 22 minutes, the home team almost won a penalty when Felipinho fell in the area.

The situation for Eduardo Baptista's players worsened after 36 minutes, when Marcinho committed a hard foul on Marquinhos Gabriel and received a red card. From then on, it was an Avaian attack, until the second goal became a reality.

It was at 42 minutes that Avaí scored the goal that gave them the victory in the classic. Hygor received a sweet pass in the small area with his back to the goal, but was dispossessed and the ball went to Thayllon. The young player invaded the area, cut past the marker, and shot low and across. The ball still deflected off the defense and died at the back of the net.