Introduction – Criciúma x Goiás
The match between Criciúma and Goiás, valid for the 34th round of the 2025 Brasileirão Série B, ended with a 2-1 victory for the Goiás team at Heriberto Hülse Stadium. In a high-intensity match with decisive moments, Goiás showed the greater efficiency, earning three points that put them back in the top four and rekindle their hopes of promotion to Série A.
Criciúma, on the other hand, fought hard, holding territorial control for much of the match, but couldn’t convert their offensive volume into goals. The defeat left Tigre further away from the elite group, and the pressure on the squad increases in the final rounds.
The match was marked by controversial plays, fast-paced play, and a high-tempo pace from start to finish. Goiás demonstrated maturity and tactical discipline, while Criciúma, though vibrant, showed weakness in transitions and defensive difficulties on set pieces.
The final result reflects the teams’ current form in the competition: Goiás is on a roll and determined to fight for promotion, and Criciúma is trying to regain its footing after a series of setbacks.
Pre-match context – Criciúma x Goiás
Criciúma: in search of recovery
Criciúma came into the match after frustrating draws and an away loss, which increased the need to win in front of their fans. Coach Cláudio Tencati opted for an attacking strategy, with three forwards and high marking, trying to suffocate Goiás from the opening minutes.
Despite the initial pressure, the team felt the emotional weight of the standings: with 50 points, they needed a win to get closer to the top four. The fans turned out in good numbers, creating an atmosphere of excitement and anticipation.
The first half, however, showed a nervous Criciúma team struggling to score. Despite dominating the action, they lacked the final ball and offensive decision-making. The second half repeated the same scenario, with high possession but little directness.
The defeat was painful, as the team knew that every point lost now weighs heavily on the fight for promotion. The challenge of maintaining offensive consistency and defensive focus becomes a priority for the final rounds.
Goiás: maturity and efficiency away from home
Goiás arrived on a roll after consistent victories and was looking to cement its recovery in the championship. Coach Márcio Zanardi assembled a balanced team, with a compact back four and quick transitions through Diego Gonçalves and Allano.
Even away from home, Esmeraldino showed character. They adopted a patient approach, waiting for Criciúma’s mistakes to exploit fast counterattacks. The strategy proved effective: the team controlled the pace and was lethal when they had opportunities.
With the victory, Goiás reached 59 points, reclaiming fourth place in the standings, a crucial step in the race to return to the top flight. The group demonstrated cohesion, focus, and tactical maturity—three essential ingredients for sustaining the dream of promotion.
First Half – Pressure from Santa Catarina and efficiency from Goiás
The first half began with Criciúma pressing high, forcing Goiás into their own half. In the first ten minutes, Tigre had two good chances through Éder and Fellipe Mateus, but were denied by goalkeeper Tadeu, who made solid saves.
Goiás, however, was more clinical. In the 23rd minute, Allano opened the scoring with a quick move down the right, following a poor marking. The goal dampened Criciúma’s momentum, and they began to expose themselves more defensively.
Even so, the Santa Catarina team maintained control of possession, trying to equalize in the first half. In the 40th minute, Éder hit the post, but the score remained unchanged. Goiás showed solidity and defensive confidence, while Criciúma again struggled with inaccuracy.
Halftime arrived with a sense of frustration for the home team and growing confidence for the visitors. Goiás showed maturity, playing intelligently and not giving in to the opposing pressure.
Second Half – Tiger’s Reaction and Esmeraldino’s Coldness
After the break, Criciúma maintained their intense pace, and the pressure soon paid off. In the 55th minute, Fellipe Mateus equalized with a beautiful shot from outside the box, bringing the crowd to their feet. The goal reenergized Tigre, who began attacking as a unit.
Goiás strategically retreated, waiting for the right moment to counterattack. And it came: in the 71st minute, Diego Gonçalves scored the second goal, following a Criciúma error in clearing the ball.
In the final minutes, coach Tencati launched the team into attack, adding an extra striker, but Goiás defended confidently. Goiás still had a clear chance with Anderson Oliveira, but his shot was saved by goalkeeper Gustavo.
The game ended with tension, protests from the local fans and a lot of celebration from the Goiás team, who are once again dreaming big in Série B.
Statistics – Criciúma x Goiás (Serie B 2025)
| Statistic | Criciúma | Goiás |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 1 | 2 |
| Total Completions | 19 | 11 |
| Finishes on Target | 7 | 6 |
| Ball Possession | 58% | 42% |
| Right Passes | 412 | 289 |
| Pass Accuracy | 84% | 77% |
| Corners | 9 | 4 |
| Fouls Committed | 14 | 16 |
| Yellow Cards | 3 | 2 |
| Goalkeeper Saves | 3 | 5 |
| Expected Goals (xG) | 1.62 | 1.49 |
| Aerial Duels Won | 45% | 55% |
| Ball Recoveries | 68 | 71 |
| Loss of Possession | 92 | 81 |
The numbers show Criciúma’s territorial dominance, but also the efficiency and composure of Goiás, who knew how to convert chances into goals.
Tactical Analysis – Strategy and Decisive Maturity
Goiás adopted a compact 4-2-3-1 formation, with close lines and a focus on quick transitions. This structure ensured balance between defense and attack, allowing the team to control space and capitalize on opponents’ mistakes.
Criciúma, on the other hand, used an attacking 4-3-3, seeking width and pressure in the opponent’s half. However, individual errors and excessive spacing between midfield and defense cost them dearly.
The main difference was in decision-making. Goiás showed composure, while Criciúma erred on the side of anxiety and a lack of precision in their shots.
Tactically, the duel highlighted the contrast between competitive maturity and emotional drive, a difference that could define the fate of both in the final rounds.
Updated Classification – Series B 2025
| Position | Team | Points | Victories | Goal Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Sport | 61 | 18 | +21 |
| 2nd | Coritiba | 59 | 17 | +18 |
| 3rd | Goiás | 59 | 16 | +17 |
| 4th | Avaí | 57 | 15 | +14 |
| 5th | Criciúma | 50 | 13 | +7 |
Goiás returns to the G-4, firmly in the fight for promotion, while Criciúma finds itself forced to react quickly to keep its dream alive.
Conclusion – Criciúma x Goiás
Goiás’ victory over Criciúma carries both symbolic and mathematical weight. Playing away from home, the team demonstrated its ability to suffer, seize opportunities, and maintain focus until the final moments. It broke its drought, entered the top four, and reignited its ambitions for Série A.
Criciúma lacked tactical adjustment and boldness when needed. The team dominated possession but failed to convert. The defeat was costly—it momentarily pushed the club out of the relegation zone and requires a response in the next stages.
The duel reinforces the hallmarks of Serie B: balance, the importance of details, and psychological resilience. Whoever can control these factors can make the difference in the final sprint.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions about Criciúma x Goiás 2025
1. What was the score of Criciúma vs Goiás?
Goiás won 2-1.
2. Who scored the goals in the game?
Welliton (Goiás) opened the scoring, Rodrigo equalized for Criciúma, and Gonzalo Freitas sealed the victory for Goiás.
3. What is Goiás’s situation after this victory?
Goiás returned to the top four with 55 points.
4. What does the defeat mean for Criciúma?
They leave the field with 54 points and drop in the standings, temporarily losing the promotion zone.
5. What was the ball possession like?
Criciúma had approximately 66.8% possession, according to official statistics.
6. What was the taboo broken in this match?
Goiás beat Criciúma at their opponent’s stadium for the first time in 15 previous meetings.
7. Who was decisive for Goiás?
Gonzalo Freitas’ header and aerial efficiency were decisive.
8. Did this result break any losing streak?
Yes — Goiás broke a six-game winless streak.
9. When are the clubs’ next matches?
Criciúma will visit Ferroviária; Goiás will play at home against Athletico-PR.
10. What is the most striking tactical element?
Goiás’ ability to convert corner kicks into goals and manage their advantage under pressure.
