Operário-PR edges Ponte Preta in thrilling Serie B clash

Ponte Preta made the brighter start at the Estádio Germano Krüger, catching Operário-PR cold with an early breakthrough. Brandão struck in the seventh minute to put the visitors ahead, but the home side refused to panic. The momentum gradually shifted as Operário-PR grew into the match, and their patience paid off when Pablo levelled things up in the 31st minute. The tempo remained frenetic as both teams looked to take control before the interval.

The second half exploded into life almost immediately. Brandão restored Ponte Preta's lead just four minutes after the restart, converting in the 49th minute to put his side back in front. Operário-PR responded with characteristic resilience, with H. Pereira equalising in the 53rd minute to level the score at 2-2. From that point onwards, the match became increasingly fractious. Brandão received a red card in the 83rd minute, reducing Ponte Preta to ten men and tilting the balance decisively in favour of the home side.

With their numerical advantage and nine minutes of stoppage time to work with, Operário-PR pressed hard for a winner. C. Dantas finally delivered it in the 90th minute, sending the home crowd into raptures and sealing a deserved victory for the hosts. The red card had undoubtedly influenced the outcome, but Operário-PR's determination and attacking intent throughout meant they merited their success.

The win moves Operário-PR further up the standings and keeps their promotion push firmly on track. Ponte Preta will rue their indiscipline late on, particularly Brandão's dismissal, which cost them what could have been a valuable point on the road. Both teams now turn their attention to their next fixtures as the Serie B campaign enters another crucial phase.