Underdogs of the Copa do Brasil 2025
The Copa do Brasil 2025, officially named the Copa Betano do Brasil, is renowned as the most democratic tournament in Brazilian football, where teams from all divisions have a chance to shine. In its 37th edition, which began on February 18, 2025, the competition has already delivered incredible surprises, with smaller clubs, known as “underdogs,” eliminating giants like Fortaleza and Grêmio. In this article, we explore the underdogs of the Copa do Brasil 2025, highlighting the smaller teams that stunned in the early stages, their remarkable results, and the impact of these achievements. To follow all the matchups, check out our complete Copa do Brasil 2025 schedule.
What Are the Underdogs of the Copa do Brasil?
In Brazilian football, an “underdog” refers to a lesser-known team that defeats a more traditional or higher-division club. The Copa do Brasil, with its knockout format and 92 teams from all 26 states and the Federal District, is the perfect stage for these surprises. In 2025, a rule change eliminating the away-goals advantage in the first round and introducing penalty shootouts for tied matches has increased the chances for underdogs, allowing clubs like Retrô-PE and CSA to shine against stronger opponents.
The Biggest Underdogs of the Copa do Brasil 2025
The 2025 edition has already produced historic moments, particularly in the first and third rounds. Here are the top underdogs that have marked the tournament so far:
1. Retrô-PE: Pernambuco’s Surprise Against Fortaleza
Retrô-PE, a Série C team, pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the third round (May 22, 2025) by eliminating Fortaleza-CE, a favorite, in a penalty shootout after a 1–1 draw at Castelão. Founded in 2016, the Pernambuco-based club solidified its reputation as a “cup specialist” after surprising in the 2024 edition. The victory, driven by composure in penalties and a passionate fanbase, earned Retrô R$3,638,250 for reaching the round of 16, nearly double its annual budget.
2. CSA: Epic Victory Against Grêmio in Porto Alegre
CSA, from Alagoas, also in Série C, shocked Brazil by defeating Grêmio, a five-time Copa do Brasil champion, away from home in the third round. The win came through goals that exploited defensive errors by the Tricolor Gaúcho, marking one of the most memorable moments of 2025. Having already eliminated Boavista-RJ and Tuna Luso-PA, CSA will use the R$3.6 million prize money to clear debts and strengthen its squad, showcasing the financial impact of the tournament for smaller clubs.
3. Maringá-PR: Toppling Juventude in the First Round
In the first round (February 19–26, 2025), Maringá-PR, a Série C team, knocked out Juventude, a Série A club, with a 1–0 victory. This result, combined with a win against União-TO in the second round, earned the Paraná-based club R$4,145,250 in prize money up to the third round, highlighting its tactical efficiency and organization.
4. Operário VG-MT: Surprise Against Sport
Operário VG, from Várzea Grande, Mato Grosso, stunned Sport Recife, a Série A team, in a penalty shootout after a goalless draw in the first round. This victory reinforces the Copa do Brasil’s tradition of giving regional clubs a platform, with Operário securing R$1.83 million to invest in its infrastructure.
5. Ceilândia-DF: Victory Over Coritiba
Ceilândia-DF eliminated Coritiba, a Série B team, in a penalty shootout after a thrilling 2–2 draw in the first round. The R$1.83 million prize money will support general expenses and youth development, demonstrating how the Copa do Brasil transforms smaller clubs.
Table of Underdogs from the First and Third Rounds (2025)
Check out the results of the top underdogs in the early rounds of the Copa do Brasil 2025:
| Underdog | Opponent Eliminated | Round | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retrô-PE (Série C) | Fortaleza-CE (Série A) | Third Round | 1–1 (penalties) |
| CSA (Série C) | Grêmio (Série A) | Third Round | Win away |
| Maringá-PR (Série C) | Juventude (Série A) | First Round | 1–0 |
| Operário VG-MT | Sport Recife (Série A) | First Round | 0–0 (penalties) |
| Ceilândia-DF | Coritiba (Série B) | First Round | 2–2 (penalties) |
Source: Data based on CBF information and coverage up to May 22, 2025.
Impact of the Underdogs in the Copa do Brasil 2025
The underdogs of the Copa do Brasil 2025 not only shake up the tournament but also transform smaller clubs. The prize money, ranging from R$1.83 million in the first round to R$3,638,250 in the round of 16, enables investments in infrastructure, such as Retrô-PE’s training center, or debt repayment, as in CSA’s case. Additionally, these victories bring national visibility, attracting sponsors and strengthening local fanbases. The success of Northeastern teams like Retrô and CSA also highlights the growing strength of regional football.
Historic Underdogs of the Copa do Brasil
The tradition of underdogs is part of the Copa do Brasil’s DNA. Here are some of the most iconic upsets in history, inspiring the feats of 2025:
- Santo André (2004): The São Paulo-based team defeated Flamengo in the final, one of the greatest upsets in history, after eliminating Atlético-MG and Guarani.
- Paulista de Jundiaí (2005): Under Vagner Mancini, the team knocked out giants like Botafogo, Internacional, and Cruzeiro, defeating Fluminense in the final.
- Criciúma (1991): Led by Luiz Felipe Scolari, the Santa Catarina team beat Grêmio in the final, becoming the first underdog champion.
- Juventude (1999): The Rio Grande do Sul club overcame Botafogo at Maracanã to claim the title as an underdog.
- ASA x Palmeiras (2002): The Alagoas team eliminated Palmeiras in the first round, holding on despite being a man down.
Why Are the Underdogs Shining in 2025?
Several factors explain the success of underdogs in the Copa do Brasil 2025:
- New Regulations: The elimination of the away-goals advantage in the first round, with penalty shootouts for ties, favored smaller clubs like Operário VG and Ceilândia, who advanced through penalties.
- Motivation and Tactics: Teams like Retrô and CSA capitalize on the favorites’ defensive errors and play with less pressure, increasing their chances of upsetting.
- Lucrative Prize Money: High rewards (R$1.83 million in the first round, R$3.6 million in the round of 16) motivate smaller clubs to invest in tactical preparation.
- Passionate Fans: The energy of regional fanbases, like those of Retrô and CSA, boosts players, especially in home matches.
What to Expect in the Round of 16?
With the round of 16 scheduled for July 29–31 and August 5–7, 2025, underdogs like Retrô and CSA will face even bigger challenges. The open draw, without seeded pots, could lead to matchups like Retrô vs. Corinthians or CSA vs. Flamengo, heightening the excitement. Giants like Palmeiras, Flamengo, and Corinthians remain favorites, but the Copa do Brasil’s unpredictability keeps the door open for new surprises. Check the matchups in our Copa do Brasil 2025 round of 16 schedule.
How to Follow the Copa do Brasil 2025
To stay updated on the next underdogs:
- Visit the official CBF website for results and draws.
- Watch matches on Globo, SporTV, or Premiere.
- Follow our Copa do Brasil 2025 schedule for updates.
Join the Fanbase!
The underdogs of the Copa do Brasil 2025 prove that Brazilian football is full of surprises and excitement. Bookmark this page to follow the next big upsets and share on social media. Which will be the biggest underdog in the round of 16? Will Retrô, CSA, or another small team shock again? Share your predictions in the comments and embrace the passion of the knockout stage!
