São Bernardo moved to the top of the Brazilian Serie B standings after a commanding 3-1 victory over Londrina on Tuesday night. The match, part of the eighth round, took place at Estádio Vitorino Gonçalves Dias in Paraná, highlighting the contrasting fortunes of the two teams in the national tournament.
With the away win, São Bernardo reached 16 points and claimed the leadership, edging out Sport on the tiebreaker criteria: five wins to four. Londrina, meanwhile, remained stuck on five points in 19th place, extending their winless run to seven consecutive games.
Both teams will return to action in the ninth round. São Bernardo will defend their lead at home against América-MG on Saturday at 4 PM local time. Londrina will travel to Campinas to face Ponte Preta on Monday at 7 PM.
The Paraná side hopes to turn things around under new manager Rogério Micale, 57, who coached Brazil’s Olympic gold medal team in 2016. His last role was with Egypt’s under-23 national team, and he is expected to make his debut in the next round.
The first half was dominated by São Bernardo, who capitalized on defensive mistakes from the hosts to build an early lead. In the sixth minute, Echaporã delivered a precise cross that found Daniel Amorim free at the far post, and the striker headed home neatly.
The visitors doubled their lead in the 20th minute when Dudu Miraíma intercepted a poor clearance from Londrina’s defense and fired a precise shot into the top corner, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance.
Despite trailing, Londrina tried to respond with attacks down the flanks but lacked finishing quality. Bruno Santos and Lucas Marques missed clear chances, failing to direct their shots on target.
In the second half, São Bernardo sealed the victory in the 58th minute when Dudu Miraíma curled a direct free kick past the goalkeeper. Londrina pulled one back in the 84th minute after a cross from Paulinho Moccelin was headed into his own net by defender Hélder.
Match details:
Londrina: Maurício Kozlinski; Weverton (Kauê), Yago, Gabriel Lacerda, Heron (Vitinho); Rafael Monteiro, André Luiz, Lucas Marques (João Vitor); Thalis (Moccelin), Emiliano Rodríguez (Juninho), Bruno Santos. Coach: Daniel Azambuja (interim).
São Bernardo: Alex Alves; Rodrigo Ferreira, Hélder, Augusto, Pará; Romisson, Foguinho (Marcão), Dudu Miraíma (Lucas Fernandes); Echaporã (Lucas Rian), Fabrício Daniel (Pablo Dyego), Daniel Amorim (Felipe Garcia). Coach: Ricardo Catalã.
Goals: Daniel Amorim (7′), Dudu Miraíma (21′, 59′); Hélder (own goal, 84′).
Yellow cards: Weverton, Yan, Lucas Marques (LON); Foguinho (SBD).
Referee: Maguielson Lima Barbosa (DF).
Attendance: 2,326.
Venue: Estádio Vitorino Gonçalves Dias, Londrina (PR).
