A 125-year fast came to an end this Saturday (25). For the first time in history, Associação Atlética Ponte Preta won a national title. The second oldest club in the country, Macaca beat Londrina 2-0 at the Moisés Lucarelli Stadium, in Campinas (SP), and secured the Brazilian Championship Series C cup, with the right to an invasion of the field by fans after the final whistle, to celebrate the unprecedented feat.
The teams went to the field on equal terms on the aggregate score, as they had drawn 0-0 last weekend at the Vitorino Gonçalves Dias Stadium, in Londrina (PR). The two finalists are guaranteed in next year’s Series B. In addition to them, Náutico and São Bernardo secured places in the second national division.
Despite four titles in the A2 Series of the Campeonato Paulista, the last of which in 2023, Ponte lacked an achievement that, even in an access division, went beyond the borders of the State. Especially because rival Guarani – which, unlike Macaca, will continue in Series C in 2026 – has the 1978 Brasileirão cup on its CV. It was up to Alvinegra, curiously, to prevent Bugre from gaining access by defeating them in the last round of the second phase, 2-0, at home.
The unprecedented title comes at a difficult financial moment that the Campinas club is going through. In an interview after the 1-0 victory over Brusque, at Moisés Lucarelli, in September, which sealed Ponte’s access to Series B, midfielder Lucas Cândido revealed that the football department had more than three months of salary arrears.
The achievement also marks a comeback for Marcelo Fernandes. The coach took over Ponte in the final stretch of the first phase, a few days after being fired from Guarani. In ten games in charge of the black and white team, there were five wins, three draws and two defeats. It was the second title of the coach’s career, São Paulo champion with Santos in 2015.
After a truncated first half, Moisés Lucarelli’s nets shook in the second half. After three minutes, Jonas Toró, at the edge of the area, received the ball from the left and shot. The shot was weak, but goalkeeper Luiz Daniel was unable to save it. It was the eighth goal for the number 17, who equaled fellow striker Iago Teles, from Londrina, in the top scorer in Serie C.
In the 24th minute, Toró invaded the area from the left and was brought down by defender Wallace. Referee Felipe Fernandes de Lima did not score anything at first, but reversed himself when reviewing the play on the video and awarded a penalty in favor of Ponte. Midfielder Élvis, captain and idol of Alvinegra, hit high, with no chance for Luiz Daniel to defend.
The goal triggered confusion between players and the coaching staff of both teams, which interrupted the duel for ten minutes. Coach Roger Silva and reserve defender Vanderley, both from Londrina, were sent off. The people from Paraná still tried to reduce the damage, without success. Party for the more than 14 thousand fans present at Moisés Lucarelli, who witnessed a night they will never forget.
