Introduction – Ferroviária x Chapecoense
On Thursday night, October 9, 2025, Chapecoense visited Ferroviária, at Arena Fonte Luminosa, in Araraquara (SP), for the 31st round of the 2025 Brazilian Championship Series B.
In a direct confrontation with opposing objectives — Chape fighting for the G4 and Ferroviária trying to move away from the Z4 —, the Santa Catarina team won 1-0, with a goal by Neto Pessoa, and won three valuable points in the final stretch of the tournament.
The victory solidified Verdão’s good run, with the team now sitting at 50 points, moving up to 3rd place, and increasing its chances of promotion to over 65%, according to statistical projections.
Ferroviária, with 36 points, remains in 16th place, just four points above the relegation zone, and is on alert for the final rounds.
The game was intense, full of physicality and tactical variations. Chapecoense was efficient and knew how to seize the right moment to decide, while Ferroviária wasted good opportunities and paid dearly for defensive errors.
Pre-match – Lineups, absences and expectations
Ferroviária lineup
Ferroviária entered the field with:
Saulo; Igor Morais, Carlão, Vitor Barreto and Ricardo Luz; Anderson Rosa, Kawan and Léo Artur; Ricardinho, Everton Brito and Barreto.
Absences: Coach Marcelo Cabo was without Léo Carvalho (suspended) and Rafinha (injured). The team came under pressure, winless in three games, and relied on home strength.
Chapecoense lineup
Chapecoense took to the field with:
Josué; Warley, Rafael, Maurício and Walter Clar; Darlan, Pedro Martins, Thiago Rosa; Marcinho, Neto Pessoa and Thomas Luciano.
Absences: Perotti and Bruno Leonardo were out due to muscle fatigue, and coach Umberto Louzer opted for a more cautious formation, reinforcing the midfield and exploring counterattacks.
Expectations before the game: Ferroviária needed to win to breathe in the table, while Chapecoense, buoyed by good results, sought to consolidate its place in the top four.
The game – Ferroviária x Chapecoense in detail
First half – balance and missed chances
The first half started at a high pace. Ferroviária tried to impose itself with possession and quick triangles, but ran into Chapecoense’s solid defense, which closed up well.
In the 15th minute, Ricardinho had a great chance with a shot from outside the box, forcing a good save from Josué. Chapecoense responded with Pedro Martins, who nearly scored after a cross from Walter Clar.
As time went on, the game became more choppy, with numerous fouls and interruptions. Ferroviária had more possession (57% of the ball), but lacked precision in the final pass.
Chapecoense remained organized, exploiting quick counterattacks with Marcinho and Neto Pessoa.
Second half – efficiency and decision
In the second half, the situation changed. Chapecoense came back more aggressive and began to pressure the opposition’s attacking play.
In the 25th minute, after a corner kick, Neto Pessoa pounced on a loose ball in the box and slotted it home: 1-0 Chapecoense.
After the goal, Ferroviária launched an attack, had a Carlão goal ruled out by VAR for a millimeter offside, and pressed until the end, but could not break through the Santa Catarina defense.
Josué, Chape’s goalkeeper, secured the result with some great saves in the final minutes.
Ferroviária vs Chapecoense: Complete Statistics
| Statistic | Railway | Chapecoense |
|---|---|---|
| Final score | 0 | 1 |
| Total completions | 18 | 12 |
| Finishes on target | 3 | 4 |
| Ball possession | 56% | 44% |
| Corners | 6 | 5 |
| Fouls committed | 14 | 12 |
| Yellow cards | 3 | 4 |
| Expected goals (xG) | 1.12 | 1.43 |
| Right passes | 414 | 362 |
| Pass efficiency | 88% | 84% |
| Goalkeeper saves | 3 | 4 |
The numbers show that Ferroviária had more possession and more turnover, but Chapecoense was more accurate in their finishing and tactically superior in their execution.
The away win confirms the consistency of Louzer’s team, which has been growing in the decisive moment of Série B.
Tactical analysis – strengths, weaknesses and highlights
Chapecoense displayed a solid style of play, based on quick transitions and defensive consistency. The trio of Darlan, Pedro Martins, and Walter Clar were essential in neutralizing Ferroviária’s main weapons.
In attack, Neto Pessoa demonstrated his presence in the box and opportunism, securing another victory.
Despite the loss, Ferroviária had good attacking activity and created chances, but their lack of efficiency cost them dearly. Ricardinho and Carlão were the most active, while the midfield struggled to rebuild.
Individually, Josué (Chapecoense) was the standout with some great saves. Neto Pessoa shone as the game’s hero.
Coach Umberto Louzer highlighted the squad’s commitment: “We played a mature game, like a team that knows what it wants in the competition.”
Repercussion – speeches, consequences and upcoming challenges
After the final whistle, the mood was mixed.
**Chapecoense celebrated the victory that firmly puts them in the fight for promotion. Louzer praised the team’s tactical approach and maturity.
For Ferroviária, coach Marcelo Cabo lamented the disallowed goal and called for more efficient finishing.
In the standings, Chapecoense remains firmly in the top four, while Ferroviária is once again worried about relegation.
The next round will be crucial: Chapecoense hosts Botafogo-SP, and Ferroviária faces CRB away from home.
Conclusion – Ferroviária x Chapecoense
The Ferroviária vs. Chapecoense matchup highlighted the contrast between efficiency and waste.
Chapecoense was strategic, efficient, and maintained tactical focus to win away from home, reaffirming its bid for promotion.
Ferroviária, on the other hand, had a strong showing but lacked definition. The result serves as a warning for the final rounds.
Série B 2025 enters its decisive stretch — and each point could mean promotion or relegation.
FAQs – Ferroviária x Chapecoense
1. Who won the Ferroviária vs. Chapecoense match?
Chapecoense won 1-0 away from home.
2. Who scored the match’s goal?
Neto Pessoa, 25 minutes into the second half.
3. What was the ball possession?
Ferroviária had 56%, Chapecoense 44%.
4. Who was the individual standout?
Josué and Neto Pessoa shone for Chape.
5. What is Chapecoense’s current position in the table?
3rd place, with 50 points.
6. What are the next games?
Chapecoense vs. Botafogo-SP and CRB vs. Ferroviária.
