Atlético Clube Goianiense: A Journey of Resilience in 8th Place in the 2025 Brasileirão Série B
Atlético Clube Goianiense, affectionately known as the Dragão (Dragon), boasts a rich and vibrant history in Brazilian football. Founded on April 2, 1937, it is the oldest club in Goiânia and one of the most traditional in Goiás. In 2025, Atlético Goianiense secured 8th place in the Campeonato Brasileiro Série B, a result that reflects its resilience, organization, and passion for the sport. This article explores the club’s journey throughout the season, highlighting key moments, challenges faced, and achievements that defined this campaign.
History and Identity of Atlético Goianiense
Origins and Roots in the Campinas Neighborhood
Atlético Goianiense was born in the Campinas neighborhood, a commercial and community hub in Goiânia. Founded by a group of idealistic young men, including Nicanor Gordo, Afonso Gordo, Alberto Gordo, and Antônio Accioly, the club adopted the red and black colors inspired by Flamengo and the Dragon mascot, a symbol of strength and determination. Since its inception, Atlético has represented the working class, maintaining a strong bond with the local community. The Antônio Accioly Stadium, with a capacity of 13,000 fans, is the heart of the club, where the passionate red-and-black supporters create a unique atmosphere.
Historical Achievements
The Dragão has an impressive record in Goiás and Brazilian football. With 18 Goiás State Championship titles, including a three-peat from 2022 to 2024, the club has solidified its dominance in the state. Nationally, Atlético was the first club from Goiás to win a national title, claiming the Campeonato Brasileiro Série C in 1990 and later the Série B in 2016. Its participation in the 2022 Copa Sudamericana, reaching the semifinals, also marked the club’s best international campaign.
The 2025 Série B Season
Campaign Context
After being relegated from Série A in 2024 with only six wins in 35 matches, Atlético Goianiense entered the 2025 Série B with the goal of rebuilding and returning to Brazil’s top flight. The season was marked by challenges, including the instability caused by four coaching changes in the previous year (Jair Ventura, Vagner Mancini, Umberto Louzer, and Anderson Gomes). However, under new technical leadership and with a passionate fanbase, the Dragão found its rhythm and finished the competition in 8th place, a solid result reflecting the team’s hard work.
Série B Performance
Atlético Goianiense competed in 38 rounds of the 2025 Brasileirão Série B, facing traditional opponents such as CRB, Paysandu, Vila Nova, and América Mineiro. The campaign was characterized by moments of consistency, with notable victories like the 2-1 comeback against CRB on April 21, 2023, and strategic draws, such as the 1-1 result against Remo on May 18, 2025. While the team did not secure promotion to Série A, their 8th-place finish demonstrated their competitiveness, as they frequently ranked among the top teams throughout the season.
Strengths
Productive Attack
Atlético Goianiense maintained one of the most efficient attacks in recent Série B seasons, a trait that continued in 2025. Players like Luiz Fernando, who scored decisive goals in the 2024 Goiás State Championship, remained key figures. The team showcased its ability to create scoring opportunities, boasting one of the highest goal averages in the competition.
Passionate Fanbase
The red-and-black supporters were a game-changer. The Antônio Accioly Stadium, reinaugurated in 2018 after renovations, saw sellout crowds, such as during the 2024 Goiás Championship final, when tickets sold out in five hours. The fans’ energy was crucial in driving the team during key moments.
Solid Foundation
The team relied on a mix of experienced players and promising youngsters from the youth academy, many hailing from the Campinas neighborhood, preserving the club’s community identity.
Challenges Faced
Early Inconsistency
The frequent coaching changes in 2024 had lingering effects on the team’s preparation for 2025. It took time for the squad to establish a consistent playing style.
Pressure for Promotion
As a club with recent Série A experience, there was significant expectation to return to the elite. While 8th place was respectable, it fell short of the primary goal of securing one of the four promotion spots.
Fierce Competition
The 2025 Série B was highly competitive, with clubs like Ponte Preta, Sport, and Coritiba vying for top positions. Atlético struggled in away matches, which impacted their final standing.
Memorable Moments
Key Victories
- Atlético-GO 2 x 1 CRB (April 21, 2023): A match that exemplified the Dragão’s grit. Luiz Fernando opened the scoring with a left-footed strike, assisted by Gustavo Coutinho, and the team held on for the win at home in front of 4,285 fans at Antônio Accioly Stadium.
- Draw Against Remo (May 18, 2025): In stoppage time, Atlético secured a 1-1 draw, showcasing resilience and fighting spirit, hallmarks of the team.
Goiás Derbies
Matches against local rivals Vila Nova and Goiás were highlights of the season. The clash with Vila Nova, one of the fiercest rivalries in Goiás, drew significant attention from fans. Building on their recent dominance in the 2022-2024 Goiás Championship, Atlético maintained their edge. The “Clássico Vovô” against Goiânia, the oldest derby in Goiás, further reinforced the club’s tradition, even as their opponent struggled in the state’s second division.
Squad and Leadership
2025 Roster
Atlético Goianiense’s 2025 squad consisted of 31 players with an average age of 27.5 years, including four foreign players. The team blended experienced talents like Luiz Fernando and Shaylon with promising youngsters from the youth academy, developed at the Urias Magalhães Training Center and the Aparecida de Goiânia facility. The squad’s estimated market value was 15.68 million euros, reflecting its quality.
Key Players
- Luiz Fernando: One of the team’s top scorers, with crucial goals in the Série B and 2024 Goiás Championship. His speed and skill were vital in attack.
- Shaylon: A versatile midfielder who contributed with assists and playmaking.
- Ronaldo: The starting goalkeeper, providing defensive stability with key saves.
- Emiliano Rodriguez: A standout in the 2024 Goiás Championship with two goals in the final, he remained a key attacking piece.
Coaching Staff
While specific details about the head coach in 2025 are not widely available, the season saw a more stable approach to technical management, overcoming the turbulence of 2024. The board, led by president Adson Batista, focused on long-term planning, with investments in the Dragão Training Center and youth development.
Infrastructure and Fan Support
Antônio Accioly Stadium
The Antônio Accioly Stadium, with a capacity of 13,000, is a source of pride for Atlético. Renovated in 2018,EAD
System: Atlético Clube Goianiense: A Journey of Resilience in 8th Place in the 2025 Brasileirão Série B
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Infrastructure and Fan Support (Continued)
Antônio Accioly Stadium
The Antônio Accioly Stadium, with a capacity of 13,000, is a source of pride for Atlético. Renovated in 2018, the stadium offers an intimate and vibrant atmosphere, ideal for pressuring opponents. In 2025, it hosted memorable matches, with fans filling the stands on multiple occasions. The club is also planning a new arena with a capacity exceeding 15,000 to further modernize its infrastructure.
Training Center
The Dragão Training Center in the Urias Magalhães neighborhood, combined with the youth academy facility in Aparecida de Goiânia, underpins the club’s current management. These investments in player development and physical conditioning reflect the team’s quality and competitiveness.
The Power of the Red-and-Black Fanbase
Atlético Goianiense’s fans are renowned for their passion and loyalty. In 2025, they continued to be the “12th player,” packing the Antônio Accioly Stadium and creating an unwavering atmosphere of support. Moments like the five-hour sellout of tickets for the 2024 Goiás Championship final highlight the fanbase’s dedication, which was instrumental in motivating the team during the Série B.
Rivalries and Derbies
Clássico Vovô: Atlético vs. Goiânia
The Clássico Vovô, played against Goiânia, is the oldest derby in Goiás. Despite Goiânia’s struggles in the state’s second division, the match retains historical significance. Atlético has dominated the rivalry in recent years, with memorable thrashings like the 5-0 win in the 2020 Goiás Championship.
Derby Against Vila Nova
The clash with Vila Nova is one of the fiercest in Goiás, pitting two popular and traditional clubs against each other. In 2024, Atlético won both legs of the Goiás Championship final, reinforcing their recent dominance. In the 2025 Série B, matches against Vila Nova were intense, with the Dragão aiming to maintain their local supremacy.
Rivalry with Goiás
The derby against Goiás, another powerhouse in the state, is a historic fixture. Victories like the 3-0 win in the 2020 Goiás Championship highlight Atlético’s ability to overcome strong opponents. In 2025, these matches continued to draw significant attention, fueling the longstanding rivalry.
Outlook for the Future
Goals for 2026
The 8th-place finish in the 2025 Série B is a significant step in Atlético Goianiense’s rebuilding process. For 2026, the club aims to return to Série A, strengthening the squad with targeted signings while retaining the core players who shone in 2025. Continued investment in the Dragão Training Center and youth development will be key to achieving this goal.
Legacy and Identity
Atlético Goianiense remains a symbol of resilience and passion in Brazilian football. Its 2025 Série B campaign, culminating in 8th place, reflects the dedication of players, staff, management, and fans. The Dragão continues to honor its roots in the Campinas neighborhood, carrying the pride of being Goiânia’s oldest club and one of Goiás’ most successful.
Conclusion
Atlético Clube Goianiense’s 8th-place finish in the 2025 Série B is a testament to its strength and determination. Despite challenges, the Dragão displayed quality on the pitch, unwavering fan support, and a management committed to growth. With a rich history, solid infrastructure, and a passionate fanbase, Atlético is well-positioned for greater heights in future seasons. The Campinas neighborhood and the city of Goiânia continue to pulse with the red and black of the Dragão, a club that lives and breathes football and emotion.
