CRB remains sixth in Brazil’s Série B despite a 2-1 defeat to Goiás, and can still qualify for the playoffs through its own results. The club has 55 points, level with Goiás, Sport and Atlético-GO, but leads them on the applicable tiebreakers: it has a six-goal advantage in goal difference over Goiás and two more wins than Sport and Atlético-GO.
To secure a place in the knockout round, CRB needs to win both of its remaining games: away to Náutico at the Aflitos on Saturday at 9:30 p.m., then against Ceará at the REI Pelé on the 14th. A dropped result would leave the team relying on outcomes elsewhere.
Goiás still have games against Ponte Preta at home and Sport away. Sport will face Operário-PR away before hosting Goiás, while Atlético-GO visit Athletic and then play Cuiabá in Goiânia.
After round 36, CRB’s estimated chance of qualifying stood at 16.95%, according to Gato Mestre of GE. If the season ended now, CRB would meet third-placed Vila Nova in the playoffs.
Coach Fábio Matias struck an optimistic note after the loss in Goiânia, saying the team remained in the top six and needed to make adjustments to achieve its target of two wins.
Sources: Globo Esporte.