Introduction – Atlético-GO vs. Paysandu
Atlético Goianiense defeated Paysandu 2-1 in a dramatic comeback victory at the Antônio Accioly Stadium, in the 37th round of the 2025 Brazilian Championship Série B. The defeat sealed Paysandu’s relegation to Série C in 2026, a hard blow for the bicolor fans, who dreamed of remaining in the division.
The game was marked by strong emotion, missed chances, and controversial refereeing decisions. Paysandu even took the lead with a goal from João Vieira, but Atlético-GO reacted with authority, turning the game around with goals from Gustavo Coutinho and Luiz Fernando, remaining firmly in the fight for promotion to Série A.
In the opening minutes, Paysandu displayed an offensive posture, pressing high and trying to exploit the opponent’s mistakes. However, the red-and-black reaction was immediate, with territorial dominance and intensity. The atmosphere heated up in the second half, when Papão had clear chances to equalize, but were thwarted by Ronaldo’s saves and the woodwork.
With the result, Atlético-GO reached 59 points and remains in the fight for the G4, while Paysandu remained stuck at 33 points, with no more mathematical chances of escaping relegation.
The defeat left a bitter taste. Relegation was the consequence of an inconsistent campaign, marked by defensive errors and tactical instability. Atlético-GO, on the other hand, buoyed by its fans, is experiencing the opposite—technical and moral growth at a crucial moment in the competition.
Pre-Game Context – Current Standings and Expectations
Atlético Goianiense entered the field under pressure from other results, knowing that any slip-up could jeopardize their promotion dream. Under Jair Ventura’s command, the team came from consistent victories and maintained its focus on accumulating points at home, where they have one of the best campaigns in Série B.
The plan was clear: play offensively, maintain possession of the ball, and press from the start. The coach emphasized in a press conference that “the moment is to believe and fight until the last minute.”
Meanwhile, Paysandu was experiencing a tense atmosphere. The Pará team, led by Hélio dos Anjos, needed a win to maintain even a minimal hope of escaping the relegation zone. Papão relied on quick transitions and the experience of Marlon and Ricardinho to surprise their opponents. However, defensive imbalances and a lack of consistency proved costly throughout the season.
The fans, who traveled in good numbers, pushed the team forward, but their dejection became evident after conceding the second goal.
Behind the scenes of the match, there were also protests from Paysandu fans, who criticized the management for inefficient signings and a lack of planning. At Atlético, the atmosphere was the opposite — total confidence and focus on the goal of promotion.
The atmosphere at Accioly was one of total intensity: a full house, a decisive atmosphere, and constant pressure on the visitors.
The game was seen as a turning point. For Atlético-GO, victory meant hope. For Paysandu, defeat meant the end of the line — and that’s exactly what happened.
First Half – Paysandu surprises, but Atlético reacts.
The start was frantic. Paysandu opened the scoring after just 15 minutes, following a beautiful play by João Vieira, who received a perfect cross and shot into the left corner. The lead energized the visiting team, who retreated and tried to control the pace of the game.
However, Atlético didn’t give up. Urged on by their fans, they increased the pressure and created several opportunities with Shaylon and Gustavo Coutinho.
In the 31st minute, the equalizer came from a set piece: Shaylon took a free kick into the box, and Gustavo Coutinho rose high to head the ball in. The goal ignited the stadium and completely changed the game’s dynamic.
In the following minutes, Paysandu tried to respond quickly, but were thwarted by the solid performance of the opposing defense and Ronaldo’s saves.
The first half ended with balanced play, but Atlético showed more ambition and attacking intent. Paysandu, on the other hand, demonstrated increasing nervousness and a lack of coordination in their transitions.
A comeback seemed inevitable, and the halftime break served only to calm tempers before the Goiás team’s explosion of attack.
Second Half – Pressure, comeback, and relegation confirmed: Atlético-GO vs. Paysandu
After the break, Atlético Goianiense maintained their intensity and didn’t take long to turn the game around. In the 58th minute, Luiz Fernando received the ball in the box, dribbled past his marker, and finished with precision: 2-1.
The goal was a relief and, at the same time, a death sentence for Paysandu. The Pará team felt the blow and lost organization on the field, allowing Dragão to control the game.
With the score in their favor, Atlético slowed the pace, prioritizing possession and passing to manage their advantage. Paysandu tried to react with the entries of Mário Sérgio and Ricardinho, but without success.
The red-and-black defense showed solidity, and goalkeeper Ronaldo made safe interventions, securing the result.
In the final minutes, Atlético’s fans chanted encouragement, while Paysandu’s supporters wept over their practically certain relegation.
With the final whistle, the Paysandu players left the field dejected, and the Goiás team celebrated a victory that keeps them at the top of the table.
Statistics – Atlético-GO vs Paysandu (Serie B 2025)
| Statistic | Atlético-GO | Paysandu |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 2 | 1 |
| Total shots | 18 | 10 |
| Shots on target | 6 | 3 |
| Ball possession (%) | 56 | 44 |
| Complete passes | 482 | 362 |
| Pass accuracy (%) | 86 | 79 |
| Corner kicks | 7 | 4 |
| Mistakes committed | 12 | 15 |
| Yellow cards | 2 | 3 |
| Accurate disarms | 19 | 17 |
| Expected goals (xG) | 2.3 | 0.9 |
| Goalkeeper saves | 3 | 5 |
| Correct intersections | 8 | 4 |
| Aerial duels won (%) | 58 | 42 |
These numbers reinforce Atlético-GO’s superiority, as they controlled the pace, had more possession, and created twice as many real goal-scoring opportunities. Paysandu showed commitment, but lacked efficiency.
Impact on the 2025 Serie B Standings
| Position | Team | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 4th | Atlético-GO | 59 |
| 18th | Paysandu | 33 |
Atlético Goianiense remains firmly in the top four, needing only a win to secure promotion to Série A. Meanwhile, Paysandu joins Ituano, ABC, and Tombense as teams relegated to Série C in 2026.
Conclusion – Atlético-GO vs. Paysandu
Atlético-GO proved once again that it is one of the most solid teams in Série B. With a balance between defense and attack, the team from Goiás showed maturity, intensity, and the ability to react. The victory keeps alive the hope of promotion and reinforces the excellent work of coach Jair Ventura.
The club ends the round with high morale and total focus on the final match that could seal its return to the elite of Brazilian football.
For Paysandu, the outcome was the opposite. Relegation reflects an inconsistent season full of stumbles. They lacked consistency, a competitive squad, and planning. The challenge now will be to rebuild the project in Série C, restructure the team, and seek a return in 2026.
The bicolor fans deserve a response worthy of the club’s tradition.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions about Atlético-GO vs. Paysandu
- What was the final score of Atlético-GO vs. Paysandu?
Atlético-GO won 2-1, coming from behind, at the Antônio Accioly Stadium. - Who scored the goals in the match?
João Vieira scored for Paysandu; Gustavo Coutinho and Luiz Fernando scored for Atlético. - Where was the game played?
At the Antônio Accioly Stadium in Goiânia. - Was Paysandu relegated with this defeat?
Yes. The result mathematically confirmed Papão’s relegation to Série C in 2026. - How many points does Atlético-GO have after this round?
The Dragão (Atlético-GO) has 59 points and remains in the fight for a top-four finish. - Who was the star of the game?
Gustavo Coutinho, who scored the equalizing goal, was the man of the match. - How did Paysandu perform in the second half?
The team retreated and lost intensity after conceding the lead, failing to react. - What was Paysandu’s main mistake this season?
Lack of defensive balance and low offensive efficiency. - Could Atlético-GO get promoted to Série A?
Yes, it depends solely on their own results in the final two rounds. - How many away wins does Paysandu have?
Only two wins in 18 away games. - Were there any controversial refereeing decisions?
Yes, Paysandu fans complained about a foul in a play prior to the second goal. - Who was the best player on the field?
Luiz Fernando, for the decisive goal and his leadership on the field. - What was the ball possession rate?
Atlético-GO had 56% possession; Paysandu, 44%. - How many shots did Atlético-GO have?
There were 18 in total, with 6 on target. - What is Atlético-GO’s next game?
The Dragão (Atlético-GO’s nickname) faces Mirassol away from home in a direct clash for promotion.
