Introduction – Paysandu x Cuiabá
The match between Paysandu and Cuiabá, valid for the 30th round of the 2025 Brasileirão Série B, ended in a 1-1 draw and demonstrated how details can change the course of a match. Cuiabá took the lead through Alejandro Martínez and seemed to have the game under control, but Papão, driven by their passionate fans at Curuzu, equalized in the final minutes through Maurício Garcez’s penalty kick.
More than just the score, the game represented a clash of realities: on one side, Cuiabá trying to return to the top flight, but stumbling through successive draws; on the other, Paysandu, fighting relegation and turning a point earned at home into emotional fuel for the final stretch of the championship.
The result brought mixed feelings: frustration for Dourado, who missed out on a chance to break into the top four, and relief for Papão, who still dreams of escaping last place. The match reinforces the competitiveness of Série B, where no duel is easy and every point can determine the fate of a season.
Before the Game – Expectations, Pressure and Atmosphere at Curuzu
Paysandu entered the match in a delicate situation. With its worst record to date, Papão knew that any slip-up at home could increase the pressure from the fans and further exacerbate the risk of relegation. Coach Márcio Fernandes emphasized throughout the week the importance of playing with intensity from the first minute to the last, emphasizing that Curuzu needed to return to being the “cauldron” that scares opponents.
On the other side, Cuiabá entered the field with high morale thanks to their nine-game unbeaten streak. Eduardo Barros’s message was clear: maintain defensive consistency and exploit the speed of their forwards. The coach emphasized that the team needed to turn their good form into concrete points to finally stick with the top four.
The atmosphere in the stadium was one of tension and hope. The Bicolor fans packed the stands, waving flags and chanting nonstop, even though they were aware of their precarious position in the standings. The Cuiabá delegation, on the other hand, displayed confidence, but knew they would face not only 11 players but also the pressure of thousands of passionate fans.
The Game – Paysandu x Cuiabá in detail
First Half – Cuiabá’s superiority and Martínez’s goal
From the start, Cuiabá showed greater organization. The midfield controlled possession, and the team dictated the pace of the match. Alejandro Martínez, always dangerous, sought out spaces between the defenders. In the 32nd minute, in an individual play, he took a chance from outside the box and scored a stunning goal, opening the scoring.
The goal reflected Dourado’s confident approach, exploiting the flanks effectively and taking advantage of Paysandu’s defensive weaknesses. The fans fell momentarily silent, worried about another home defeat. Papão even tried to respond with set pieces, but to no avail.
The first half ended with Cuiabá holding a fair lead. Besides the goal, the team wasted two other good opportunities. The feeling was that if Dourado had been more accurate, they could have won the match before halftime.
Second Half – Papão’s reaction and saving penalty
After halftime, Paysandu changed its approach. The introduction of more attacking players gave the team a new lease of life. Encouraged by the fans, Paysandu began to press harder, although this created space for dangerous counterattacks.
Cuiabá, despite having chances to extend their lead, was lacking in finishing. Martínez and Jonathan Cafú both missed clear opportunities, increasing the team’s nervousness. Eduardo Barros demanded more efficiency, but the team seemed to naturally retreat to manage their lead.
Paysandu’s final push was intense. In the 43rd minute, on a play down the right flank, the ball hit the arm of the Cuiabá defender, and the referee awarded a penalty. Maurício Garcez struck with skill and equalized the score, sending the crowd into a frenzy.
In stoppage time, Cuiabá still tried to fight back, but couldn’t overcome the Bicolor defense. The draw ended up looking like a victory for the home team and a defeat for the visitors.
Statistics – Paysandu x Cuiabá
| Statistic | Paysandu | Cuiabá |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 1 | 1 |
| Finalizations | 13 | 14 |
| Finishes on target | 6 | 5 |
| Ball possession (%) | 62% | 38% |
| Corners | 5 | 4 |
| Yellow cards | 3 | 2 |
| Red cards | 0 | 0 |
The statistics confirm Paysandu’s greater possession, especially in the second half. Cuiabá was more focused on attack, but failed to convert their chances into goals. This balance was reflected in the final score.
Repercussion and tactical analysis
The repercussion after the final whistle was immediate and intense.
- Paysandu: The draw was celebrated as a victory. Márcio Fernandes praised the team’s commitment and highlighted their fightback in the final minutes. He believes the team needs to repeat this drive in the coming rounds to avoid relegation.
- Cuiabá: Eduardo Barros expressed frustration. The coach stated that the team “didn’t finish the match” and wasted precious points. The main criticism focused on the team’s lack of offensive focus and the drop in intensity after opening the scoring.
From a tactical standpoint, Cuiabá was more disciplined, but showed emotional fragility by retreating too much in the second half. Paysandu, on the other hand, relied on the strength of its fans and its attacking persistence, and was rewarded with a late equalizer.
Impact on the Table
The result had significant consequences for both clubs.
- Cuiabá remains in 6th place with 46 points. Despite a nine-game unbeaten run, a string of draws is hindering their fight for promotion. Dourado needs to turn strong performances into victories to avoid seeing their Série A dreams slip away.
- Paysandu remains bottom of the table with 26 points, but the point gained has given them confidence. The team has shown it can still bounce back and promises to fight relegation to the bitter end .
In the next round, Paysandu will face Botafogo-SP, a direct rival in the fight for survival. Cuiabá hosts Novorizontino at Arena Pantanal, in a game considered crucial for staying alive in the fight for the top four.
Conclusion
The draw between Paysandu and Cuiabá showed how every detail can change the course of a match and, consequently, a season. Papão gained momentum and confidence in the fight against relegation, while Dourado wasted another chance to close in on the top four.
The Brasileirão Série B remains open and unpredictable. For Cuiabá, it’s time to correct their finishing mistakes. For Paysandu, it’s proof that the power of their fans can be a differentiator in the remaining games.
FAQs – Paysandu x Cuiabá
Who scored the goals in the match?
Alejandro Martínez scored for Cuiabá, and Maurício Garcez equalized for Paysandu from the penalty spot.
What was the result of Paysandu vs. Cuiabá?
A 1-1 draw, in the 30th round of Série B 2025.
How many games has Cuiabá gone undefeated?
Dourado has gone nine games unbeaten, but has drawn a total of 10 games.
What does this draw mean for the table?
Cuiabá remains in 6th place, still outside the top four, while Paysandu remains at the bottom but is gaining confidence.
What’s each team’s next game?
Paysandu faces Botafogo-SP; Cuiabá hosts Novorizontino at Arena Pantanal.
