Introduction – Cuiabá x Athletic
The Cuiabá x Athletic duel, valid for the 30th round of Série B 2025, was played this Sunday (28) at Arena Pantanal, in Cuiabá. The match had all the ingredients that Série B usually delivers: intensity, emotion, controversy and a memorable comeback.
Athletic took the lead with a stunning goal from David Braga, but Cuiabá showed why they’re the best home team in the competition. With goals from Bruno Alves and Juan Christian, Cuiabá turned the score around to 2-1, earning three valuable points, and now just two points out of the top four.
The result not only brought Cuiabá closer to promotion but also increased the pressure on Athletic, who remain in a delicate situation close to the relegation zone.
Before the Game – Expectations and Atmosphere
The Cuiabá vs Athletic clash was considered crucial for both sides, but for different reasons.
Situation in Cuiabá
Cuiabá entered the field as the best home team in Série B, with nearly 80% success at Arena Pantanal. The fans were hoping for another win to keep their hopes of promotion alive. The coach reinforced the importance of defensive consistency, as the team had conceded goals in previous matches due to individual errors.
The atmosphere in the stadium was one of confidence. Banners, flags, and chants greeted the team’s entrance, and the atmosphere was crucial in keeping the players motivated even after conceding the first goal.
Athletic’s situation
Athletic, on the other hand, is experiencing the opposite situation. Lower down the table, the team needed points to avoid falling further into the bottom four. The Minas Gerais team came with a clear proposal: exploit counterattacks and exploit the spaces left by Cuiabá’s pressure.
The strategy worked at first, but the physical exhaustion and excessively defensive stance in the second half were fatal.
The Game – Cuiabá x Athletic in Details
First Half – Surprise from Minas Gerais and reaction from Cuiabá
The game began with Cuiabá pressing hard, but Athletic showed defensive organization. In the 20th minute, in a quick move through the middle, David Braga received a pass, burst into the box, and finished with class to open the scoring.
The opposing goal didn’t faze Dourado. The team grew, began attacking with more intensity, and equalized in the 34th minute. After a corner kick, Bruno Alves rose to the third floor and headed the ball firmly past the Minas Gerais goalkeeper.
The equalizer heated up the match. Cuiabá nearly came from behind in the first half, but were thwarted by good saves from goalkeeper Pedro Rocha.
Second Half – Pressure, controversy and comeback
Cuiabá came back from the break even more aggressive. Early on, Carlos Alberto found the net, but the goal was ruled out by VAR for a slight offside. The play sparked protests from the fans and heightened the tension in the stadium.
Despite the frustration, the Cuiabá team kept up the pressure. In the 24th minute, Juan Christian’s star shined, receiving a pass at speed, dribbling past two opponents, and firing a shot into the net to score a stunning goal and turn the game around.
Athletic tried to react with set pieces and shots from outside the box, but were met by an inspired Luan Polli, who made at least two difficult saves. In the final minutes, Cuiabá held on to their lead and secured the victory.
Statistics – Cuiabá x Athletic
Below are the numbers that show Cuiabá’s superiority at Arena Pantanal:
| Statistic | Cuiabá | Athletic |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 2 | 1 |
| Finalizations | 15 | 8 |
| Finishes on target | 6 | 3 |
| Ball possession | 57% | 43% |
| Right passes | 412 | 298 |
| Pass accuracy | 85% | 78% |
| Corners | 7 | 2 |
| Fouls committed | 12 | 15 |
| Yellow cards | 2 | 3 |
| Red cards | 0 | 0 |
The numbers confirm that Cuiabá had more offensive volume and possession of the ball, while Athletic was only dangerous in specific plays.
Impact on the Table
The triumph in Cuiabá x Athletic had direct effects on the classification of Série B 2025.
- Cuiabá : moved up to 6th place with 45 points, just two behind 4th place. The dream of promotion is more alive than ever.
- Athletic : remains in 15th place with 32 points, still close to the relegation zone and under pressure to react quickly.
The final stretch promises to be decisive for both teams. Dourado is fighting for a spot in the top four, while Athletic needs to fight for survival.
Repercussion and Highlights
Cuiabá fans celebrated the victory and praised the team’s fighting spirit. On social media, Juan Christian and Bruno Alves were the most celebrated.
For the sports press, the highlight was Cuiabá’s aggressive and consistent approach, which was unfazed by the goal conceded and showed maturity to turn the game around. On the other hand, criticism of Athletic Club focused primarily on their defensive stance and difficulty in holding up pressure.
Conclusion – Cuiabá x Athletic
The Cuiabá-Athletic clash reinforced Dourado’s home strength and demonstrated their continued pursuit of promotion. The 2-1 comeback not only brought the club closer to the top four but also fueled the fans’ belief in a return to the top flight.
Athletic Club, which had started the match well, left the field with another worrying defeat. The team needs to correct defensive errors and urgently seek points to avoid complicating the relegation battle.
FAQ – Cuiabá x Athletic
What was the result of Cuiabá vs Athletic in Série B 2025?
Cuiabá came from behind to win 2-1.
Who scored the match’s goals?
David Braga scored for Athletic; Bruno Alves and Juan Christian scored for Cuiabá.
What was the most beautiful goal of the game?
Juan Christian’s comeback goal, featuring dribbling and a precise finish.
Were there any refereeing controversies?
Yes, a Carlos Alberto goal was disallowed by VAR for offside.
Where does Cuiabá stand after the victory?
Cuiabá is in 6th place, two points behind the top four.
What’s Athletic’s situation?
Athletic remains in 15th place with 32 points, close to the relegation zone.
