Santa Cruz nears Série C promotion as Criciúma climbs Série B

In the Brazilian football leagues, Santa Cruz has moved significantly closer to promotion to Série B. Following a 1-1 draw against Floresta in Fortaleza, Santa Cruz remains the leader of Group B in Série C with 10 points. The team now requires only a draw in their upcoming match against Maringá to mathematically secure access.

In Série B, Criciúma secured a decisive 3-0 victory over Avaí in the Catarinense derby. This win marks a successful debut for new coach Umberto Louzer, moving Criciúma into the G-6 access zone with 50 points. Conversely, the loss has left Avaí in the relegation zone at 17th place. Following the defeat, Avaí dismissed head coach Allan Aal, appointing assistant Marquinhos Santos to lead the team temporarily.

Umberto Louzer was recently appointed by Criciúma to replace Eduardo Baptista, who departed to join Internacional.