Bahia, Espíritu Santo and Distrito Federal secure pass; Rio de Janeiro close to

Mathematics has wonderfully worked for Distrito Federal in this first stage of the fourth matchday of the XIV Brazilian Championship. Although they finally lost to Cearà, their terrific comeback for the 5-5 equalizer that sent the match to the extra time gave their opponents two points instead of three. And this slight difference, together with São Paulo’s victory over Rio Grande do Sul, has miraculously put the team from the Capital State into the quarterfinals.

Two more teams earned their place in the next round of the Brazilian Campionship. After the third matchday, Bahía and Espírito Santo made their way thanks to their victories over Goias and Paraíba, respectively. Twice runner-ups Bahía leant on Souza’s hat-trick to purchase an extra-time victory that leaves them on second position, with five points out of six. The leadership in Group B was for Buru’s Espírito Santo, who ran over Paraíba 3-8.

On group C, favourites Rio de Janeiro can tip the pass after their emphatic win over Alagoas (5-0). The carioca team, playing without Jorginho, bent their opponents in great authority, thanks to the doublet by Benjamin and the hits by Fred, Rafinha and Daniel. The fluminense would top the table if they manage to beat Rio Grande Do Norte in their match tomorrow. The triumph by Tocantins over Rio Grande do Norte leaves the group really Fuzzy, with three teams keeping their chances of getting into next round.  

Results and group tables

Matchday 1 – November 13th

Maranhão 8-2 Paraná

Rio Grande do Sul 3-2  Ceará

São Paulo 8-1 Distrito Federal

Bahía 5-2 Paraíba

Pernambuco 3-2 Sergipe

Espírito Santo 6-3 Goiás

Matchday 2 – November 14th

Rio Grande do Norte 8-2 Alagoas

Sergipe 2-3 Maranhão

Rio de Janeiro 6-4 Tocantins

Distrito Federal 5-4 Rio Grande do Sul

Paraná 4-8 Pernambuco

Ceará 3-4 Saopaulo

Matchday 3 – November 15th

Goiás 4-6 Bahía

Tocantins 6-4 Rio Grande do Norte

Paraíba 3-8 Espírito Santo

Paraná 3-6 Sergipe

Alagoas 0-5 Rio de Janeiro

Pernambuco 2-3 Maranhão

Matchday 4 – November 16th

Ceará 7-6 Distrito Federal

Paraíba 2-3 Goiás

Sao Paulo 5-2 Rio Grande do Sul

Alagoas – Tocantins

Espírito Santo – Bahía

Rio de Janeiro – Rio Grande do Norte

From November 17th to 20th, the Second Round, semifinals and finals will be played.

Overall standings

Group A

Group B

Group C

Group D