In a direct battle to escape the Brazilian Championship relegation zone, Mirassol and Chapecoense played out a 1-1 draw on Monday at the José Maria de Campos Maia stadium, known as Maião. The match, part of the 15th round, was played under cold and rainy conditions, with all goals coming in the second half. Eduardo opened the scoring for the home side in the 25th minute, but João Victor’s own goal in the 35th minute leveled the score.
The result did not change either team’s position in the standings. Mirassol remain in 18th place with 13 points, while Chapecoense sit at the bottom with nine points. Both teams have one game in hand.
Prior to kickoff, Mirassol’s management honored midfielder Camilo with a trophy following his announcement of retirement. At 40 years old, Camilo has played 662 matches since starting his career in 2003 at América-RJ. During his time with Mirassol, he made 108 appearances, scored 28 goals, and served as captain of the team that won the 2022 Brazilian Série C title.
The first half was technically poor. Chapecoense managed only one shot on target through Everton, a deflected effort saved by Walter. Mirassol struggled to break through the opposition’s defense and resorted to inaccurate long-range attempts. Furthermore, the home side showed visible signs of fatigue due to their intense schedule, including their first-ever participation in the Copa Libertadores. Two players left the field injured in the first half: full-back Igor Formiga and forward André Luís.
A curious moment occurred in the 51st minute. Reinaldo took a dangerous corner kick, and Chapecoense defender Eduardo Doma attempted a headed clearance but sent the ball toward his own goal. Fortunately for the visitors, goalkeeper Anderson was positioned centrally and managed to gather the ball.
Mirassol came out stronger in the second half, applying heavy pressure on Chapecoense. The visitors resisted well but eventually conceded when Alesson fired a powerful shot from the edge of the box. Anderson parried the ball sideways, but it was crossed back in for Eduardo to finish, giving Mirassol a 1-0 lead in the 25th minute.
Chapecoense fought back and equalized in the 35th minute. Jean Carlos delivered a curved corner kick, and defender João Victor attempted a headed clearance but only sent the ball backward. It struck the right post and crossed the line despite Walter’s attempted save. The goal-line technology confirmed the ball had fully crossed the line.
After that, the match opened up, with both teams pushing for a winner. Chances came and went, but the score remained unchanged.
In the 16th round, Mirassol will travel to face Atlético-MG on Saturday at Arena MRV. Chapecoense will host Remo on Sunday in another clash between teams in the relegation zone.
**MATCH FACTS**
**MIRASSOL 1 X 1 CHAPECOENSE**
**Mirassol:** Walter; Igor Formiga (Daniel Borges), João Victor, Willian Machado, Reinaldo; Aldo Filho, Denilson (Eduardo), Shaylon (Galeano); Alesson, André Luís (Everton Galdino), Carlos Eduardo (Nathan Fogaça). Coach: Rafael Guanaes.
**Chapecoense:** Anderson; Victor Caetano (Jean Carlos), Eduardo Doma, João Paulo; Everton, João Vítor (Rafael Cavalheira), Camilo, Bruno Pacheco; Ênio (Ítalo), Bolasie (Giovanni Augusto), Marcinho (Garcez). Coach: Fábio Matias.
**GOALS:** Eduardo (25′), João Victor (own goal, 35′) – second half.
**YELLOW CARDS:** Aldo Filho (MIR); Bolasie, Bruno Pacheco, Everton, João Paulo, Victor Caetano (CHA).
**REFEREE:** Felipe Fernandes de Lima (MG).
**ATTENDANCE:** 2,343 spectators.
**VENUE:** Estádio José Maria de Campos Maia, Mirassol (SP).