Sport’s 1-1 draw against Botafogo-SP in Ribeirão Preto left the team more dependent on other results in the fight for a place in the Série B promotion playoffs. With the 36th round completed, Sport is seventh with 55 points and is monitoring the remaining matches of CRB, Atlético-GO and Goiás.
CRB occupies sixth place on goal difference after also reaching 55 points, but has one match in hand and leads Sport in victories, 16 to 14. Atlético-GO follows with 54 points, while Goiás has 52. All three rivals still have games to play in the round.
Atlético-GO visits Fortaleza at the Castelão on Monday at 4 p.m. Later, at 8:30 p.m., Goiás hosts CRB in a direct clash between teams competing for the same places.
A Fortaleza victory would be the best result for Sport because Atlético-GO would remain on 54 points, one behind Sport with two rounds remaining. A draw would also favor Sport: Atlético-GO would reach 55 points, but Sport would remain ahead on goals scored, currently 48 to 42. An Atlético-GO win would be the least favorable outcome.
In the match between Goiás and CRB, Sport’s preferred results are a draw or a Goiás victory. A draw would take CRB to 56 points and Goiás to 53, keeping the latter behind Sport. If Goiás wins, it would move to 55 points and go ahead of Sport on the number of victories, although Sport would still have a direct opportunity to overtake Goiás when the teams meet in the final round at Ilha do Retiro.
A CRB victory would be the worst scenario for Sport. The Alagoas side would reach 58 points and open a three-point lead over Sport with two rounds remaining, making the qualification outlook considerably more difficult.
Sport’s remaining schedule begins on Friday at 7:30 p.m., against Operário-PR at Germano Krüger. In the final round, Sport will host Goiás at Ilha do Retiro.
CRB still has matches against Goiás, Náutico and Ceará. Atlético-GO will face Fortaleza, Athletic-MG and Cuiabá. Goiás’ remaining opponents are CRB, Ponte Preta and Sport.
Sources: Globo Esporte.