Introduction – CRB x Avaí
On October 3, 2025, at Rei Pelé Stadium in Maceió, CRB secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Avaí, reviving their momentum in the tournament. The decisive goal came in first-half stoppage time, scored by Thiaguinho, and with that, CRB once again dreams of the promotion zone, while Avaí sees its path become increasingly complicated.
The match was tense and hard-fought, and its consequences determined the outcome: moment-to-moment superiority, organized defense, and well-placed counterattacks. For Avaí, the result raises alarm bells: two consecutive losses, growing instability, and increasingly less room for error.
Before the Game – preparation, history and ambiance
CRB came into the game under pressure, knowing they needed a home result to stay in the hunt for the top four. The club’s performance had been inconsistent and demanded a response from the fans. The lineup aimed to strike a balance between offense and defensive solidity.
For Avaí, the situation was critical. The team had been playing below par, and coach Vinicius Bergantin needed to find solutions. Absences and injuries complicated the decision-making process, and external pressure was inevitable.
In the clubs’ history, Avaí has the advantage: it has won more head-to-head matches. According to head-to-head data, Avaí has won 12 times, compared to CRB’s 5 wins and 3 draws. This gives Avaí historical confidence, but home advantage favored the Alagoas team today. (H2H: Avaí 12, CRB 5, 3 draws)
Furthermore, CRB changed its coach in 2025: effective March 27, Eduardo Barroca took over the club, replacing Umberto Louzer. He was tasked with stabilizing the team and bringing it closer to the promotion zone. (Changes in Série B 2025)
The Game – decisive moves and match dynamics
First half – balance, pressure and goal at the end
The match began with Avaí dominating the game. The Santa Catarina team sought to control the midfield, impose intensity, and exploit the flanks. However, CRB maintained a compact posture, exploiting quick transitions.
The decisive goal came in the 45+6 minute: Thiaguinho capitalized on a cross from the left and headed the ball firmly into the corner, beating the opposing goalkeeper and blowing away Pelé. This came after a tense period of mixed pressure, with sporadic chances for both sides.
Before that, in the first half, CRB tried to create space with triangles and infiltrations, while Avaí looked for mid-range shots and crosses to center forwards. The balance was noticeable, but Galo took better advantage of the moment.
Second half – suffocation, resistance and drama
After the break, Avaí stepped up their game. They came out more aggressively in attack, offering quick exchanges, and looking for spaces in the opposing defense. The initiative remained with the visitors.
CRB, however, retreated strategically: a discreet midfield, compactness, and a focus on counterattacks. The team exchanged passes in the defensive half and ran out the clock without losing concentration.
The equalizer almost came: a corner kick, Cléber’s header was cleared off the line. It was the most agonizing moment for the Alagoas team. But the defense held firm and held the 1-0 lead until the final whistle.
In the final minutes, Avaí pressed hard, launching balls into the box, but were met by firm marking and good saves from the CRB goalkeeper. The result was sealed after a tense duel.
Statistics – CRB x Avaí
| Statistic | CRB | Avaí |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 1 | 0 |
| Total completions | 11 | 15 |
| Finishes on target | 5 | 7 |
| Ball possession | 38% | 62% |
| Corners | 4 | 6 |
| Yellow cards | 1 | 3 |
| Red cards | 0 | 0 |
| Clear chances | 2 | 1 |
| Right passes | ~312 | ~573 |
| Pass accuracy | ~83% | ~92% |
| xG (expected goals) | ~0.86 | ~0.45 |
| H2H history | Avai 12 wins / CRB 5 wins / 3 draws | — |
These numbers reveal the contrast: Avaí dominated the territory and had a lot of game volume, but lacked efficiency. CRB, on the other hand, was accurate, seized the key moment, and managed it well.
CRB x Avaí – Tactical Analysis
CRB played intelligently: they waited their moment, prioritized compact lines, and relied on quick counterattacks. The flanks were used as escape routes, and the midfield prioritized defensive protection with efficient transitions.
Avaí tried to apply pressure and play with attacking creativity, but were penalized by defensive vulnerability and a lack of impact in the final third. CRB’s defensive system managed to hold off the attacks.
The only reason the comeback wasn’t more significant was because CRB prioritized safety in the final moments. Their reading of the game and emotional resilience made the difference.
Individual highlights
- Thiaguinho : match-defining with a goal in injury time, solid in attack and presence in the box.
- Leo Campos : author of the assist, important in the climbs and on the attacking flanks.
- Matheus Albino (CRB goalkeeper): made important saves and remained focused on dangerous crosses.
- Cléber (Avaí): was the most troublesome in the visitors’ attack, almost equalizing with a header saved on the line.
Impact on the table
With the victory, CRB has 43 points and moves up significantly, closing in on the top four in Série B. The club’s atmosphere is filled with optimism for the final stretch.
On the other hand, Avaí, with 40 points, is falling positions and seeing its dream of promotion increasingly distant. Internal pressure is mounting, and mistakes cannot be allowed to happen again.
Conclusion – CRB x Avaí
The 1-0 victory over Avaí symbolizes more than just three points: it represents CRB’s growth and consistency in the decisive stretch of the 2025 Série B. The team demonstrated maturity, focus, and tactical balance, elements that could be decisive in the fight for promotion.
Avaí, on the other hand, sees its elite dream slip away. The team produced, but lacked detail and finishing. The squad will need to react quickly to avoid ending the season on a low note.
FAQs – CRB x Avaí Série B 2025
Who scored the goal in the CRB vs. Avaí match?
CRB forward Thiaguinho scored with a header in the 45th minute of the first half.
Where did the game take place?
The match was played at Rei Pelé Stadium in Maceió, Alagoas, as part of the 30th round of the 2025 Série B.
What was the final score?
CRB 1 x 0 Avaí.
What was the Serie B standings like after the game?
CRB moved up to 6th place with 43 points, while Avaí dropped to 9th place with 40 points.
Who stood out in the match?
Thiaguinho (scorer of the goal), Matheus Albino (safe goalkeeper) and Leo Campos (assist).
How did Avaí perform?
Despite having the majority of possession (62%), the Santa Catarina team failed to convert their chances and struggled to break down the defense.
What’s the recent record between CRB and Avaí?
In the last five meetings, Avaí has won two, CRB has won two, and there has been one draw.
What’s CRB’s next match?
Galo faces Ituano away from home in the next round, looking to solidify its position among the leaders.
And what about Avaí?
Avaí returns to play at Ressacada, trying to react against Guarani.
