Náutico and Santa Cruz are set to face each other in Brazil’s Série B again in 2027, ten years after their last meeting in the competition. Santa Cruz secured promotion, while Náutico ensured its place in the division last weekend, setting up the return of the Clássico das Emoções.
Their previous Série B encounter came in 2017, in the 31st round at Arruda. Santa Cruz were 18th and Náutico second-bottom, and just over 8,500 fans attended. Náutico took the lead through William, who headed in David’s cross. Anderson Salles equalized with a free kick before João Paulo put Santa Cruz ahead, also with a header. William then scored again to make it 2–2.
The decisive moment came in the 90th minute, when referee Thiago Duarte Peixoto awarded Náutico a penalty after judging that Júlio César had fouled William. Santa Cruz players protested, and coach Marcelo Martellotte was sent off. William converted the spot kick to complete his hat-trick and give Náutico a 3–2 lead.
The protests continued when Santa Cruz players appealed for a penalty following a challenge on Augusto. Derley was sent off during the dispute and headbutted the referee. Police entered the pitch as club officials and security staff also became involved. The match ended in the 59th minute of added time.
Náutico took three important points in its fight against relegation, although the team remained eight points behind the first club outside the drop zone.
Sources: Globo Esporte.