Barra Futebol Clube assured, this Saturday (4), the title of Series D of the Brazilian Championship of 2025. The fisherman – nickname of the team of Balneário Camboriú (SC) – held a goalless draw with Santa Cruz at the Barra FC Arena, in neighboring Itajaí (SC), and benefited from the 2-1 win in the first week in the Pernambuco Arena, in São Lourenço da Mata (PE), in the Metropolitan Region of Recife.
Although busy, the game had little really clear chances. The best opportunity of the hosts, who had the match under control most of the time, came 30 minutes into the final stage, when midfielder Pericles, from inside the area, hit the right post of goalkeeper Rokenedy.
The Santa Cruz, which needed to win by two goals or more difference to be with the cup in normal time, took time to take the reins of the attack. Only 44 minutes into the final stage does the Pernambuco team had their most crystal clear chance. First in finishing by striker Pedro Henrique and, following, with the back Toty enjoying the rebound. Goalkeeper Ewerton got the best in both situations and secured the draw that, besides giving the title to Barra, classified the fisherman to the Brazilian Cup next year.
The first national title of the club founded on January 18, 2013 – with only 12 years of history and partnering with Hoffenheim, Bundesliga (first division of the German Championship) – crown a journey of 15 wins, five draws and four losses. The Santa Catarina team was the best in the A8 group in the first phase of this D Series, but it grew even in the knockout stages, with seven wins, three equities and no setbacks. Fisherman’s top scorer with nine goals, Renan Bernabé was one to match the Tuna Luso striker Ronaldy.
Santa Cruz, in turn, has not celebrated a professional title since 2019, when they won the Pernambuco Cup, which was played with under-23 cast. Considering the main team, the fast is even greater. The most recent achievement was the 2016 Pernambuco Championship, the year of the last tricolor participation in Serie A Brasileirão.
This was the second title of Santa Catarina in the history of the D Series. The first came with Brusque in 2019 against Manaus. The state that most often won the fourth national division is Ceará. There are three achievements, with railroad (2018 and 2023) and Guarany de Sobral (2010).
In addition to Barra and Santa Cruz, the other clubs in Serie D that secured a place in next year’s C Series are Inter de Limeira and Maranhão. The quartet will occupy the vacancies of Tombense, Retro, CSA and ABC, which were demoted in the third national division in 2025.
In 2026, Serie C will have 20 clubs, as this season, but only two relegated, instead of four. On the other hand, six teams will be promoted from Serie D, which will have 96 participants from next year, instead of the 64 of the current format. The planning of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) is that the third division will bring together 28 teams in 2028.
