Londrina PR 0-2 Criciúma: Clinical Away Display Boosts Promotion Push

Criciúma secured a statement 2-0 victory over Londrina PR in the Brazilian Serie B on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at the Estádio do Café. A first-half strike from Felipe Vizeu and a second-half header from Arthur Caíke sealed all three points for the visitors, who reinforced their credentials as genuine promotion contenders while deepening Londrina's relegation concerns.

The result moves Criciúma into the top four of the Serie B standings, keeping them on course for a return to the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A. For Londrina, the defeat leaves them stranded in the bottom four, with the gap to safety now a worrying five points with eight matches remaining.

Match Overview

Competition: Brazilian Serie B – Matchday 31
Venue: Estádio do Café, Londrina
Date: Saturday, October 3, 2026
Final Score: Londrina PR 0-2 Criciúma
Goals: Felipe Vizeu 23', Arthur Caíke 67'

Criciúma arrived in Paraná on a four-match unbeaten run and set up with a disciplined 4-2-3-1, looking to absorb pressure and strike on the counter. Londrina, desperate for points at home, started brightly and dominated possession in the opening exchanges, but they lacked a cutting edge in the final third and were ultimately punished for their profligacy.

Key Moments

• 23' – Goal: Felipe Vizeu (Criciúma)
  Against the run of play, Criciúma won the ball high up the pitch through Higor Meritão, who slid a perfectly weighted through ball into the path of Felipe Vizeu. The experienced striker took one touch to compose himself before rifling a low shot past the Londrina goalkeeper from the edge of the box.
• 55' – Red Card: Lucas Marques (Londrina)
  Londrina's evening went from bad to worse when centre-back Lucas Marques received a second yellow card for a clumsy challenge on Arthur Caíke. Already on a booking for a first-half foul, Marques was given his marching orders, leaving the hosts to play the final 35 minutes with ten men.
• 67' – Goal: Arthur Caíke (Criciúma)
  Criciúma doubled their lead from the resulting spell of pressure. A whipped corner from the right was met by Arthur Caíke, who rose above his marker at the near post and powered a header into the roof of the net. It was the forward's ninth goal of the Serie B campaign, moving him into the division's top-scorer conversation.
• 84' – Chance: Londrina
  The ten-man hosts nearly grabbed a consolation when a long-range effort from midfielder João Vitor clipped the outside of the post, but it was not to be for a Londrina side that has now failed to score in three of their last four home matches.

Tactical Story

Criciúma's game plan was executed to perfection. Head coach Cláudio Tencati set his side up to defend deep and compact, inviting Londrina to commit bodies forward before launching rapid transitions. The midfield pair of Higor Meritão and Barreto screened the back four effectively, limiting Londrina to mostly speculative efforts from distance. Once the visitors took the lead, they controlled the tempo and never looked like surrendering their advantage.

Londrina, by contrast, were architects of their own downfall. They enjoyed 58% possession and registered 14 shots, but only four were on target. Their build-up play was slow and predictable, often relying on hopeful crosses into a crowded penalty area where Criciúma's centre-backs dominated aerially. The red card to Lucas Marques removed any chance of a comeback, and the introduction of fresh legs from the bench did little to alter the flow of the game.

Standout Players

• Felipe Vizeu (Criciúma): The match-winner opened the scoring with a clinical finish and led the line brilliantly, holding up the ball and bringing others into play. He now has 12 league goals for the season.
• Arthur Caíke (Criciúma): A constant menace on the left wing, he won the foul that led to the red card and capped his performance with a towering header. His pace and direct running caused Londrina problems all afternoon.
• Gustavo (Criciúma): The goalkeeper made two crucial saves in the first half, including a smart stop to deny Londrina's Rafael Costa from close range. He recorded his 11th clean sheet of the campaign.
• Higor Meritão (Criciúma): The midfield engine provided the assist for the opener and broke up play tirelessly, completing five tackles and three interceptions.
• João Vitor (Londrina): One of the few bright sparks for the hosts, the young midfielder tested the goalkeeper and hit the post late on. He was a rare source of creativity in a disappointing team display.