In a lively match at Arena da Baixada for the 23rd round of the Brazilian Serie A, Athletico-PR and Bragantino tied 1-1, featuring the ‘law of the ex’ and standout goalkeeping.
The clash between Athletico-PR and Bragantino, held this Thursday for the 23rd round of the 2026 Brazilian Championship, delivered intensity and balance. Despite Furacão’s territorial dominance, especially in the first half, the score ended tied at Arena da Baixada, leaving the Paraná-based side in third place in the standings.
The result prevented the Rubro-Negro team from taking over second place in the national tournament. With 41 points, Athletico now focuses on recovery, remaining seven points behind leaders Palmeiras and just behind Flamengo, further intensifying the battle for the top spots in Brazilian football’s elite division.
Initial pressure and great saves
Athletico began the duel by setting a strong pace, looking for a goal from the opening whistle. In the very first minute, Kevin Viveros caused a scare by hitting the post. The pressure continued with contributions from Gilberto and João Cruz, but both were stopped by decisive interventions from goalkeeper Volpi, who ensured the score remained level for much of the match. Bragantino, initially pinned back, only managed to balance the action in the final stretch of the first half, without, however, posing a real threat to Santos‘ goal.
The ‘law of the ex’ and the Rubro-Negro response
In the second half, the landscape shifted with the visitors’ efficiency. In the 66th minute, Pedro Henrique appeared in the box to head home firmly following a corner kick, applying the traditional “law of the ex” against his former club. The Furacão‘s response did not take long. Shortly after, in a play set up by Mendoza and Arthur Dias, Colombian Kerwin Vargas capitalized on a precise cross from Viveros and found the back of the net, scoring his first goal in a Rubro-Negro shirt.
“A tactical duel where precision in finishing ended up being the deciding factor for both sides,” noted the M360 Team.
Next challenges
The draw keeps Bragantino in seventh place with 32 points, still alive in the fight for a spot in the top five. The focus for the Massa Bruta now shifts to the Copa Sudamericana, where they face Atlético-MG at Arena MRV. In the Brazilian Serie A, the team hosts Grêmio next Sunday.
Meanwhile, Athletico-PR will have a week of training before taking on Botafogo. The match in Rio de Janeiro, scheduled for August 24th, is seen as a fundamental test for the club’s intentions to solidify its place in the top three and continue pressuring the championship leaders.
M360 Team
