Grêmio Prudente and Marília face off for Copa Paulista qualification
Saturday match at 3pm could secure Tigre's spot in the playoffs
Grêmio Prudente and Marília face off this Saturday at 3pm at the Prudentão stadium in Presidente Prudente, in a match that decides who advances to the Copa Paulista playoffs. The clash gains even more attention because a draw leaves Marília with the advantage.
Why the match is decisive
Both teams enter the last round of the first phase with four points and a negative goal difference of four. Marília occupies third place by tiebreaker criteria, while Grêmio Prudente sits at the bottom of Group 1. Thus, a win guarantees seven points and automatic qualification; a draw keeps the Tigre in contention.
What is at stake for Marília
For Marília Atlético Clube, the result determines the professional team's continuity in the 2026 season. A draw is enough to advance to the group's second playoff spot; a loss eliminates the club from the competition.
What is at stake for Grêmio Prudente
Grêmio Prudente, led by Epitácio, seeks the sole victory that can lift it from the bottom and secure qualification. So far, the Carcará has only beaten Bandeirante-SP 1‑0.
Historical matchups
The only win by Marília over Grêmio Prudente came in the first round, a 1‑0 victory in Marília. Since then, the Tigre has not repeated the result, accumulating one draw and three losses in subsequent matches.
Refereeing and other group matches
The match referee will be Guilherme Francisco Maciel da Silva, with assistants Anderson José de Moraes Coelho and Diego Morelli de Oliveira. The fourth official will be Vinicius Pinto Tonollo. At the same time, Linense faces Bandeirante de Birigui in Lins, a game that also influences group standings.
With information from GE, Marília News.
Source: GE, Marília Notícia