Santa Cruz reaches G‑8 in Série C as players push for overdue wages

Santa Cruz defeated Paysandu 3–1 on June 27, 2026, securing a place in the Série C G‑8 and moving up to seventh in the standings with 18 points. Forward Everaldo, who scored in the win, used the post‑match interview to demand that the club settle the delayed salaries of players and staff, stating “every worker deserves to be paid on time.”

Coach Cristian de Souza praised the team's tactical use of set‑pieces and highlighted the increasing difficulty of the competition, calling this season “the hardest Série C in years.” He noted the need to maintain consistency in upcoming matches, including the next fixture against Ituano on July 4 at Arena Pernambuco. The club’s financial concerns remain a backdrop to its on‑field progress.