Athletico-PR initiated its 2026 season with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Andraus on Thursday, February 8, marking their debut in the Campeonato Paranaense. The win, secured at the Arena da Baixada in Curitiba, showcased a squad predominantly featuring promising young talents.
Conquering three crucial points, the team demonstrated resilience against their opponent. Goals from Felipe Chiqueti and Bruninho sealed the decisive result for the home side, providing a positive start to their state championship campaign.
The match, which served as the first-round fixture, saw a dynamic performance from Athletico-PR’s youthful lineup, setting an optimistic tone for their journey in the highly anticipated Paranaense season.
First-half dominance
The initial breakthrough came just before halftime, at the 46th minute of the first period. Felipe Chiqueti demonstrated composure and skill, receiving the ball unattended on the left flank. He drove into the penalty area with purpose.
Chiqueti then executed a precise, well-placed shot with remarkable class, expertly finding the back of the net to give Athletico-PR a crucial one-goal advantage as the teams headed into the locker rooms.
Second-half decider and late drama
Bruninho extended Athletico-PR’s lead early in the second half, striking just ten minutes after the restart. The talented attacking midfielder unleashed a superb shot that nestled into the corner of the opposing goal, further solidifying his team’s position.
Considered a top youth prospect from Athletico-PR’s academy, Bruninho received the ball on the right side of the field. He skillfully outmaneuvered the defense before delivering a powerful, deceptive finish that eluded the goalkeeper.
Andraus managed to pull one goal back in the 37th minute of the second half, courtesy of Kaio Cézar. A late equalizer by João Pedro for Andraus in the final moments was subsequently disallowed due to an offside position, preserving Athletico-PR’s narrow lead.
Youthful talent shines bright
The match highlighted Athletico-PR’s strategic focus on nurturing and integrating its academy players into the senior squad, a philosophy that appears to be yielding immediate results. Both goal scorers, Felipe Chiqueti and Bruninho, exemplify the depth of young talent within the club, with Bruninho particularly lauded as a key gem in the youth setup. Their performances not only secured the victory but also signaled their potential to become significant contributors to the team’s ambitions in the Paranaense Championship and beyond. This emphasis on youth development provides a vibrant energy to the team’s play, characterized by speed, agility, and a fearless approach to attacking football, captivating fans and laying a strong foundation for future successes.
Tactical formations and on-field personnel
Athletico-PR’s lineup, managed by coach João Correia, featured Matheus Soares in goal, protected by a defensive line including Gilberto, Lucas Belezi, Habraão, and Claudinho. The midfield was anchored by Diogo Riquelme, João Cruz, and Dudu Kogitzki, supporting a forward trio of Chiqueti, Bruninho, and Renan Peixoto.
Andraus, under the guidance of coach Claudemir Sturion, deployed Luís Carlos between the posts. The defense comprised Cleiton, Daniel Oliveira, Gabriel Recife, and Ronald. Midfield duties were handled by Caio Lino, Thiago Primão, Felipe Valdívia, and Caio Cézar, with Lisboa and Lucão leading the attack.
Championship context and next challenges
With this victory, Athletico-PR now shares the same points tally as São Joseense, Londrina, and Foz do Iguaçu, positioning them favorably in the early stages of the Campeonato Paranaense. The competitive nature of the league means every point gained is vital for securing a strong standing.
The next fixture for Athletico-PR is scheduled for Sunday, February 11, at 5:30 PM (Brasília time), when they will face Cianorte-PR. This home game will again take place at the Arena da Baixada in Curitiba, offering another opportunity for the young squad to demonstrate their prowess.
Meanwhile, Andraus will also be in action on the same date, hosting São Joseense-PR at 4:00 PM (Brasília time). Both teams will be looking to build momentum or recover from their opening-day results in what promises to be an engaging championship.
These early-season matches are crucial for teams to find their rhythm and establish their tactical approaches, setting the tone for their performance throughout the competitive state tournament.
Disciplinary actions
The match saw several yellow cards issued, reflecting the intensity of the contest. Gilberto and Bruninho were cautioned for Athletico-PR, while Andraus players Caio Cézar, Fábio Henrique, Cleiton, and Felipe Valdívia also received yellow cards.