Series C: Second‑to‑last round determines qualifiers and relegated teams
With two games left, the fight for the eight spots in the quadrangular and the two relegations takes decisive shape
With only two matches left in the first phase of Serie C, the second‑to‑last round brings important decisions at both ends of the table. While Brusque has already secured qualification for the quadrangular, Anápolis and Confiança risk having their relegation to Serie D confirmed.
The battle for qualification to the quadrangular
The top eight teams advance to the second phase, split into two groups of four. In the second‑to‑last round, up to seven spots can be confirmed, as the head‑to‑head clash between Ferroviária and Ypiranga prevents both from securing qualification simultaneously.
Teams already secured and candidates for promotion
Brusque leads with 30 points and has a guaranteed spot. Inter de Limeira, with 28 points, is close to securing qualification but still depends on results. Botafogo‑PB, Guarani, Ferroviária, Paysandu, Santa Cruz and Ypiranga make up the G‑8, each with 25 to 27 points, and can still confirm their presence in the final phase.
The battle against relegation
At the bottom of the table, Anápolis (15 points) and Confiança (13 points) could already have their relegation confirmed if they fail to surpass their direct opponents. The clash between them is decisive; a draw leaves Confiança already relegated. Itabaiana (17) and Barra (18) can still escape, but they depend on victories in the last two rounds.
How the promotion quadrangular works
The eight qualified teams are distributed into two groups: Group A contains the 1st, 4th, 5th and 8th placed teams; Group B the 2nd, 3rd, 6th and 7th. Each team plays the three opponents in its own group in home and away fixtures, totaling six matches. The top two from each group earn promotion to Serie B 2027, and the leaders of each group contest the final in a two‑legged tie.
Schedule for the second‑to‑last round
The matches take place between 22 and 23 August. On Saturday, Ituano faces Paysandu (17:00), Volta Redonda x Floresta (17:00), Botafogo‑PB x Guarani (17:00) and Confiança x Anápolis (19:30). On Sunday, Inter de Limeira x Figueirense (16:00), Brusque x Amazonas (16:00), Maringá x Barra‑SC (16:00), Maranhão x Itabaiana (18:30) and Ypiranga‑RS x Ferroviária (18:30).
Information from ge, UOL, Jornal da Paraíba.
Source: ge, UOL, Jornal da Paraíba