Introduction – Athletico-PR x Avaí: date, location, audience and expectations
On October 14, 2025, at 9:30 pm, Athletico-PR x Avaí was played at Ligga Arena (Arena da Baixada), in Curitiba — a stadium that has a capacity for around 42,372 fans.
The match had an attendance of 21,422 fans, according to an ESPN report for Serie B.
This classic match from the 32nd round of the 2025 Série B carried multiple expectations: for Athletico, it was an opportunity to reaffirm its attacking side and secure points at home; for Avaí, it was the chance to withstand the pressure, surprise away and earn a valuable point.
The emotional landscape was intense: a cold night, a demanding crowd, the need for a technical reaction—everything pointed to a potentially decisive clash. Home field advantage and the convenient timing added extra tension for Athletico, who needed to demonstrate control and maturity.
Avaí, despite being the visiting team, was prepared to withstand adversity, closing down the field and exploiting the home team’s moments of error. It was clear that playing well wasn’t enough: they needed to resist, make good decisions, and maintain composure until the final whistle.
Table situation and consequences of a draw
Before the match, Athletico was in 7th place with 49 points, while Avaí was in 11th place with 44 points.
With the 1-1 draw
For Avaí, the away point is important: it keeps the club in a stable zone, reinforces the idea that it can “disturb” on neutral ground, and gives room for recovery in the coming rounds.
This result puts greater pressure on Athletico: they need to maximize their home performance and avoid setbacks against direct opponents. For Avaí, it serves as motivation: they held on, scored, and maintain expectations of improving in the championship.
Lineups, tactical profile and in-game adjustments
Athletico started in a 3-4-3 formation, with Santos in goal; in defense, Terán, Aguirre and Felipe Aguirre. In the middle, Zapelli, Benavídez, Eduardo, Léo Derik; and in attack, Viveros, Luiz Fernando, Leozinho.
Avaí played a 4-2-3-1 formation, seeking a balance between marking and attacking transitions. The formation allowed for compactness in the middle and quick movement in the spaces left.
At halftime, Athletico adjusted its defensive system: dismantling the three-man defense to reinforce its presence in midfield. This change aimed to speed up offensive transitions and create more combinations in attack.
On Avaí’s side, few changes were made: they maintained defensive organization and a focus on aerial plays and set pieces. The coach prioritized not giving up space and exploiting counterattacks and set-piece drills as an offensive weapon.
These adjustments were crucial for Athletico to have more control in the second half and create chances more frequently.
First half – Avaí surprises and takes the lead
The game started off competitively. Athletico sought to impose its rhythm, possession, and exchanges in midfield, moving down the flanks and trying to find penetration. But they ran into the opposition’s block, cohesive marking, and few openings.
In the 22nd minute, a rehearsed corner kick resulted in João Vitor firing a shot into the top corner, making it 1-0 to Avaí. The goal was the result of strategic preparation and precise execution from a dead ball.
After the goal, Furacão stepped up the pressure, sharing the play, and trying to play behind the Santa Catarina defense. However, they lacked the creativity to break through the defense in the final third. The opposing goalkeeper made some solid saves, keeping Avaí alive.
Until the end of the half, the visitors held out well: compacting their lines, blocking passes between midfielders, and forcing crosses from the wings. Athletico dominated the field but didn’t convert enough clear-cut chances.
Second half – draw, changes in pace and chaos in the final minutes
Just five minutes into the second half, Athletico’s penalty kick, scored by Viveros, earned a 1-1 equalizer, rekindling hopes. The penalty kick gave the fans renewed momentum, and they began to press intensely.
With the game even, Athletico increased its offensive volume: flank switches, infiltrations, crosses, and shots from outside. They tried to break through with mobility and presence in the box. Avaí resisted with a more withdrawn posture, alert to counterattacks and maintaining a compact defense.
In the final minutes, tension reigned: harsh encounters, shoving, complaints, and provocations. After the final whistle, three players were sent off: César (Avaí), Mendoza, and Terán (Athletico). The chaos arose from the fans’ taunts and the players’ reactions.
The tumult marked a chaotic ending — symbolizing the mental toll of a classic contested from the first moment to the last.
Detailed statistics of the confrontation
| Metric | Athletico-PR | Avaí |
|---|---|---|
| Final score | 1 | 1 |
| Goal(s) | Viveros (51′, penalty) | João Vitor (22′, corner) |
| Ball possession | 54.8% | 45.2% |
| Finalizations (attempts) | 21 | 12 |
| Shots on goal | 9 | 5 |
| Corners | 10 | 2 |
| Defenses | 4 | 8 |
| Yellow cards | 0 | 3 |
| Expulsions | Mendoza, Terán | Caesar |
| Public | 21,422 | — |
| Recent History (H2H) | advantage in direct confrontations | — |
These numbers reinforce that Athletico pressed, produced volume and tried to impose rhythm, but was punished for the lack of definition and discipline in the final moments.
In-depth tactical analysis
Athletico-PR: dominance that was not lethal
Athletico sought to take control through possession and attacking intensity. The full-backs were frequently deployed, seeking superiority on the flanks. But the circulation in the middle became predictable, and short passes were intercepted.
Changing the defensive system at halftime provided more offensive freedom, but also created vulnerability in terms of repositioning. The insistence on crosses and balls into the box placed greater emphasis on physical presence than precision.
The late red cards undermine not only this game, but the rest of the season: the team will be short-handed offensively. The lack of mental control in the decisive minutes penalized the overall performance.
Avaí: minimum strategy, maximum result
Operating with restraint, Avaí planned to withstand pressure and capitalize on set pieces. The goal came precisely from this type of play. The defensive focus was strong, the retreat was measured, and the counterattacks, which were punctual, were used effectively.
The goalkeeper played a decisive role in thwarting several attempts by the red-and-blacks. The defensive discipline worked until the emotional breakdown at the end.
Psychological and decisive importance in classic
In soccer, a draw in a derby can be a painful or beneficial result. For Athletico, there’s a sense of loss—they dominated, retreated, and lost in decisive matches. For Avaí, there’s relief: they held on, scored, and remained relevant.
The expulsions reinforce that emotional control is a parallel competition. In games like these, whoever remains calm often decides. Athletico was tested—and faltered.
Upcoming clashes and repercussions
Athletico will face Coritiba in the Athletiba derby next Sunday at 6:30 p.m. They will be without Mendoza and Terán, forcing the coach to reposition players and consider a more conservative strategy.
Avaí visits Criciúma looking to maintain consistency on the road. The Santa Catarina club still has potential for technical improvement and valuable points.
In the locker room, they spoke of frustration, demands, poor posture, and the need for immediate reaction. The press highlights that the final clash, which featured expulsions, could mark a trend toward calm or more turbulence in future results. The tension experienced highlights the importance of composure in decisive rounds.
Conclusion – Athletico-PR x Avaí
The 1-1 draw between Athletico-PR and Avaí was more than a split point: it was a classic that exposed both strengths and weaknesses. Athletico dominated and persisted, but was punished for its lack of definition. Avaí held on, valued its moments, and paid dearly for its discipline.
The expulsions at the end carry consequences: absences for the next derby, psychological repercussions, and a warning of how tension can turn on an opponent. In the fight for Série B 2025, the balance between football and mental calm could determine who survives and who is eliminated.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Athletico-PR x Avaí
1. What was the result of Athletico-PR vs Avaí? A 1-1
draw , with goals from João Vitor (Avaí) and Viveros (Athletico).
2. How many and who were sent off?
Three expulsions: César (Avaí) , Mendoza (Athletico) and Terán (Athletico) .
3. What was the attendance and where was the game?
The match took place at Ligga Arena (Arena da Baixada), Curitiba , with an attendance of 21,422 fans .
4. Who scored the penalty?
Kevin Viveros converted the penalty for Athletico in the second half.
5. What was the table like after the draw?
Athletico remained with 49 points (7th place) and Avaí reached 44 points (11th place).
6. What was the decisive factor in the draw?
Athletico’s lack of offensive precision, Avaí’s defensive efficiency, and loss of emotional control in the final minutes.
7. Who will be Athletico’s next opponent?
The Athletiba vs. Coritiba derby, with two players sent off, will be decisive.
