When Mirassol Futebol Clube edged past Fluminense Football Club 2‑1 on Thursday, October 9, 2025, the win did more than add three points – it kept the team perched in fourth place of the 2025 Brasileirão Serie A.
The showdown unfolded at Estádio José Maria de Campos Maia in Mirassol, Brazil, under a clear night sky. A crowd of roughly 12,000 witnessed Guilherme Marques break the deadlock at the 36‑minute mark, only for Matheus Martinelli to level for the visitors at 56 minutes. The decisive blow came as Negueba struck at 86 minutes, sealing a morale‑boosting win for the home side.
Match Overview
Mirassol entered the match with a record of 11‑10‑5, 43 points, while Fluminense sat in seventh with 38 points after 25 rounds. Both clubs had already secured a spot in continental competitions, but the gap between fourth and seventh could mean the difference between a Libertadores berth and a Sudamericana ticket.
Referee Walter (the goalkeeper‑turned‑official) added seven minutes of stoppage time, stretching the total playing time to 97 minutes. The extra minutes proved crucial, as the winning goal arrived just before the final whistle.
Key Moments and Goal Details
First Blood – 36' – The opening goal came after a swift counter‑attack. Guilherme Marques received a low cross from the left flank and tucked it past Fluminense keeper S. Moreno. The goal sparked a roar from the Mirassol faithful and shifted the momentum in their favor.
Equaliser – 56' – Fluminense responded ten minutes later. Mid‑fielder Matheus Martinelli timed his run into the box perfectly, meeting a corner delivery and slotting the ball home. The goal raised the stakes and forced both coaches to rethink their tactics.
Winner – 86' – Substitution magic paid off. With the game hanging in the balance, Mirassol manager Rogério Assis brought on Negueba for Carlos Eduardo. Five minutes later, Negueba received a sharp pass from Guilherme and fired a low drive into the bottom corner, leaving S. Moreno rooted to the spot.
Tactical Shifts and Player Performances
Mirassol’s early pressure was palpable. Coach Leandro Quesada (who also provided post‑match analysis on a YouTube stream) noted that the team “took a little taste of the game” after the first ten minutes, allowing them to settle into a 4‑3‑3 that emphasized wing‑back overlaps. The most telling tactical tweak came at halftime when Y. Soteldo replaced Keno, adding a more direct forward thrust.
Defensively, Mirassol goalkeeper Walter made a crucial save in the 44th minute, denying a powerful header from Keno that would have given Fluminense the lead. “If it weren’t for Walter, we’d already be down 1‑0,” the commentator on the YouTube broadcast said, underscoring the keeper’s impact.
Fluminense, meanwhile, struggled to convert chances. Their best chance came from a free‑kick that saw Hércules force a weak shot off the post, only for Mirassol’s defense to clear it. The match also featured a heated exchange involving Fluminense’s midfielder Walter (different player, same name) at the 23‑minute mark, which briefly disrupted the rhythm.
Reactions from Coaches and Commentators
After the final whistle, Mirassol’s head coach praised his side’s resilience: “We endured early pressure, but the team grew into the game. The win shows our character and keeps us in the hunt for the top‑four.”
Fluminense’s manager, on the other hand, lamented missed opportunities. “We had the ball in dangerous areas several times. The equaliser gave us hope, but we couldn’t hold on,” he said in a post‑match interview.
Online, the YouTube stream that amassed 44,000 views featured pundits Rogério Assis and Leandro Quesada discussing the tactical nuance. Assis highlighted the “James throws himself into attack, opening on the left” as the key that unlocked space for Negueba’s finish.
Implications for the Serie A Table
With the victory, Mirassol remains fourth, three points clear of the fifth‑placed side and eight ahead of the ambitious seventh‑placed Fluminense. If Mirassol can string together a few more wins, they could push into the coveted Libertadores spots, which guarantee higher revenue and greater exposure.
Fluminense, sitting in seventh, now faces a tighter race for the Sudamericana qualification. A slip‑up in the next two rounds could see them drop to ninth, intensifying pressure on the club’s board to secure a top‑six finish.
Historical Context
This encounter marked the first head‑to‑head meeting between Mirassol and Fluminense in the 2025 season. Historically, Mirassol has been a “giant‑killer” in the Brasileirão, pulling off upsets against traditional powerhouses. In 2021, they famously knocked out Santos in the Copa do Brasil, a memory that still fuels their belief in big‑match moments.
Fluminense, a club with four national titles, has struggled this season to maintain consistency, especially away from home. Their recent form includes a 3‑0 loss to Palmeiras and a narrow 2‑1 win over Goiás, underscoring a season of peaks and valleys.
What’s Next?
Mirassol travels to São Paulo next weekend to take on Corinthians, a test that will reveal whether their recent surge is sustainable. For Fluminense, a home clash against Fortaleza looms, offering a chance to climb back into the top‑six fray.
Fans on both sides will be watching keenly, because every point now feels like a lifeline in the marathon that is Brazil’s top flight.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this result affect Mirassol’s chances for Libertadores qualification?
The win keeps Mirassol in fourth place with 46 points, three ahead of the fifth‑placed club. If they maintain momentum, they could secure a Libertadores spot, which guarantees higher prize money and continental exposure.
Which players stood out for Fluminense despite the loss?
Matheus Martinelli’s equaliser showcased his knack for timing runs into the box, while goalkeeper S. Moreno made several sharp saves that prevented a larger deficit. Their performances will be crucial in the upcoming fixtures.
What tactical changes did Mirassol implement at halftime?
Coach Rogério Assis introduced Y. Soteldo for Keno, shifting to a more direct attacking shape and allowing wing‑backs to overlap. The substitution paid off when Negueba, brought on in the second half, scored the winner.
When is Mirassol’s next match and who are they facing?
Mirassol travels to São Paulo on October 13, 2025, to play against Corinthians. The encounter will be a stern test of their recent form.
What does the result mean for Fluminense’s position in the league?
The defeat leaves Fluminense in seventh with 38 points, five points behind the sixth spot. They now need a win in their next two games to stay in contention for a Sudamericana berth.
Sarah Graham
October 9, 2025 AT 19:45What a fantastic result for Mirassol! The way they kept their composure after Fluminense pressed early shows real character. I think the tactical switch at halftime made all the difference, especially bringing on Soteldo. If they stay this focused, a Libertadores spot looks within reach.
Go team!