Chapecoense are down. The Santa Catarina club became the first team to be relegated from the 2026 Brazilian Série A, losing 2-1 to Mirassol at the Arena Condá in Tuesday’s 34th-round fixture.
A bizarre turnaround
Chapecoense took the lead in the first half through Kauan Faria. Mirassol equalised through Reinaldo from a penalty that has already drawn controversy, and then edged ahead thanks to a bizarre own goal from goalkeeper Anderson, a mistake that effectively sealed the drop.
A season in numbers
The result leaves Chapecoense bottom of the table on 21 points. With only a few matches remaining, they can reach a maximum of 36 points, which would not be enough to catch the teams above the relegation zone.
It is the club’s third relegation in the points-based era of the Série A. They went down in 2019, finishing 19th, and in 2021, when they finished last. This campaign has been among the weakest in the division: the worst attack with 33 goals scored, the worst defence with 68 conceded, and only four wins, nine draws and 20 defeats so far.
Still a game to play
Chapecoense still have a postponed match against Vasco, from the 21st round, which is scheduled for the 14th at the Arena Condá. Beyond that, the club will play out the remaining fixtures with nothing left to fight for in the top flight.
Coach reacts
Head coach Eduardo Doma spoke after the defeat, suggesting the club’s fall was not sealed on this particular night, even as the reality of a Série B campaign in 2027 sets in.
Source: ge.globo.com
