Introduction – Criciúma x América-MG and the weight of victory
The match between Criciúma and América-MG, played on October 12, 2025, at Heriberto Hülse Stadium, was one of the most intense games of the 32nd round of the 2025 Brazilian Championship Series B.
Criciúma won 2-1, a result that ended a negative streak and placed the Santa Catarina team back in the G-4, consolidating its direct fight for access to Series A.
Tigre’s goals were scored by Jonathan and Diego Gonçalves, both in the second half, while América-MG pulled one back with Ricardo Silva in the final minutes.
The victory was especially satisfying for the fans, who packed the Heriberto Hülse stadium and witnessed a vibrant, determined, and decisive team—a stark contrast to their recent away performances.
Beyond the result, the match symbolized an emotional and technical comeback. Criciúma once again displayed midfield intensity and defensive solidity, two key factors for those dreaming of promotion.
América-MG, on the other hand, lamented defensive lapses and a lack of effective finishing, despite having more possession for much of the match.
Criciúma x América-MG: table situation and context of the round
With the victory, Criciúma reached 55 points, taking second place in Série B and falling just two points behind leaders Coritiba.
This position restores confidence to the squad and repositions the Santa Catarina team as a leading contender for a spot in the top flight in 2026.
América-MG has stalled at 49 points, dropping to sixth place, and now sees the promotion zone slipping away.
Coelho needs to rally in the coming rounds, especially at home, where they will face Guarani, to keep their dream of returning to Série A alive.
The round also featured draws between direct competitors, further enhancing Criciúma’s three points.
The table shows a strong balance between the G-6 teams, promising a thrilling final stretch, with head-to-head clashes and high pressure.
Furthermore, psychological well-being matters a lot. Tigre’s squad has shown renewed unity and confidence, while América is experiencing a climate of frustration, with internal pressure and questions about coach Cauan de Almeida.
First half – balance and tactical study
The first half of Criciúma vs. América-MG was marked by intense teamwork.
Coelho maintained the majority of possession, seeking to pace the game with short passes and triangles in midfield, especially with Juninho and Alê.
Criciúma, in turn, adopted a more reactive approach, relying on quick transitions and the physical strength of Fellipe Mateus and Éder on the wings.
The best chances of the first half came from mid-range shots. Jonathan, in the 32nd minute, forced goalkeeper Dalberson into an excellent save, while América responded with a dangerous shot from Renato Marques.
The pace was intense, but a lack of precision in the final pass prevented the score from breaking even before halftime.
In the final minutes of the first half, Criciúma was already showing signs of improvement, especially on set pieces.
Coach Cláudio Tencati kept the team compact, avoiding spaces between the lines and effectively controlling América’s attacks on the wings.
Second half – reaction, goals and excitement until the end
The return from halftime brought a more aggressive and direct Criciúma.
In the 54th minute, after a good exchange of passes, Jonathan capitalized on a low cross and opened the scoring, sending the stadium into a celebratory frenzy.
The goal was a turning point: the team began to dominate the proceedings, with renewed intensity and confidence.
In the 70th minute, striker Diego Gonçalves doubled the lead with a beautiful free kick, finding the corner and giving Tigre a comfortable lead.
América attempted to respond with offensive substitutions, but were hampered by the strong marking of Tobias Figueiredo and Rodrigo.
In the final minutes, Coelho pulled one back with Ricardo Silva, capitalizing on a rebound from a corner, but it was too late.
Criciúma held on to the result with experience, controlling the game and counting on the unwavering support of their fans until the final whistle.
Criciúma vs América-MG: complete statistics
| Statistic | Criciúma | America-MG |
|---|---|---|
| Final score | 2 | 1 |
| Finalizations | 13 | 11 |
| Finishes on target | 6 | 4 |
| Ball possession | 48% | 52% |
| Right passes | 389 | 405 |
| Pass efficiency | 86% | 88% |
| Corners | 5 | 7 |
| Fouls committed | 14 | 12 |
| Yellow cards | 3 | 3 |
| Expected goals (xG) | 1.98 | 1.14 |
The numbers reveal a balanced game, but with Criciúma’s greater offensive efficiency.
Tigres successfully converted their chances into goals, while América struggled with their finishing—a direct reflection of the difference in confidence between the teams at this point in the season.
Tactical analysis and individual highlights
Coach Cláudio Tencati lined up Criciúma in a compact 4-2-3-1 formation, with Jonathan playing as a mobile attacking midfielder and Diego Gonçalves serving as the main point guard on set pieces.
The team demonstrated excellent defensive organization, with tight lines and tactically disciplined full-backs.
Highlights:
- Jonathan: the team’s driving force in midfield, tireless in rebuilding and decisive in the first goal.
- Diego Gonçalves: precision on set pieces and constant attacking presence.
- Tobias Figueiredo: solid in defense, he won practically all aerial duels.
- Rodrigo: good positioning and defensive leadership.
América-MG, on the other hand, showed weakness in defensive transitions and an excessive reliance on Juninho.
The Minas Gerais team had more possession but little directness—a concern for the final stretch of Série B.
Where to watch and upcoming games
Criciúma returns to the field in the next round to face Paysandu in Belém, in another head-to-head clash at the top of the table.
Meanwhile, América-MG hosts Guarani at Independência, needing a win to stay within the top four.
Série B 2025 matches will be broadcast on Premiere and SporTV, with full coverage and post-match analysis.
Conclusion – the impact of the victory of Criciúma x América-MG in Série B 2025
Criciúma’s victory over América-MG goes far beyond the three points.
It was a response to a period of instability, a clear message that the Santa Catarina team is alive and well and ready to fight until the end for promotion.
The collective performance, commitment on the field, and home advantage were decisive in the positive result.
Tigre demonstrated tactical maturity, emotional balance, and, above all, reactive power—attributes that will be crucial in the final rounds of such a tight championship.
Meanwhile, América needs to improve its defensive posture and be more incisive offensively if it wants to maintain its chances of promotion.
If Criciúma maintains this intensity and the support of its fans, it can reach the final stretch with high morale and complete focus on its objective.
The victory rekindles the dream of promotion and strengthens the internal climate of confidence and unity within the squad.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What was the result of Criciúma vs. América-MG?
Criciúma won 2-1, in a comeback, at Heriberto Hülse.
2. Who scored the goals in the match?
Jonathan and Diego Gonçalves scored for Criciúma; Ricardo Silva scored for América-MG.
3. Who was the standout player of the game?
Diego Gonçalves, who scored the winning goal and was instrumental in Criciúma’s comeback.
4. Is Criciúma in the top four?
Yes, Tigre is second in the 2025 Série B, with 54 points.
5. How did América-MG perform?
They had a strong start and opened the scoring, but their performance declined in the second half.
6. Where can I watch the highlights?
On YouTube, search for “Criciúma 2×1 América-MG Série B 2025.”
7. Who was Criciúma’s coach?
Claudinei Oliveira, who made the right changes and led the comeback.
8. How many fans were in the stadium?
Around 18,000 people watched the game at Heriberto Hülse Stadium.
9. What does the result mean for América-MG?
It complicates the fight for promotion, as the team is now further away from the top four.
10. Upcoming games?
Criciúma faces Guarani; América hosts Ituano.