In the unpredictable world of Brazilian football, where fortunes can shift faster than a well-executed counter-attack, Athletico Paranaense is carving out a narrative of relentless ambition. Currently riding a magnificent seven-game winning streak in the Série B, the `Furacão` (Hurricane) finds itself on the cusp of rewriting history and, more importantly, securing a triumphant return to the top flight.
- The Benchmark: Cruzeiro`s 2022 Dominance
- Cruzeiro`s 2022 Série B Winning Streak:
- Athletico`s Relentless March in 2025
- Athletico`s 2025 Série B Winning Streak:
- Beyond the Horizon: The Promotion Puzzle and Historical Context
- Teams with 7-Win Streaks in Série B (since 2006):
- Athletico`s Own History of Dominance
- The G-4 Charge and the Road Ahead
- Key Upcoming Fixtures for Athletico in Série B:
- Conclusion
The Benchmark: Cruzeiro`s 2022 Dominance
To truly appreciate Athletico`s current surge, one must look back to 2022, when Cruzeiro set the modern standard for Série B consistency. Under the astute guidance of coach Paulo Pezzolano, the Raposa (Fox) achieved an astonishing eight consecutive victories between the fourth and eleventh rounds of the season. Their victims included traditional powerhouses and resilient underdogs alike:
Cruzeiro`s 2022 Série B Winning Streak:
- Cruzeiro 1×0 Londrina
- Chapecoense 0x2 Cruzeiro
- Cruzeiro 1×0 Grêmio
- Náutico 0x1 Cruzeiro
- Cruzeiro 2×0 Sampaio Corrêa
- Criciúma 0x1 Cruzeiro
- Operário-PR 1×2 Cruzeiro
- Cruzeiro 2×0 CRB
This remarkable run, eventually snapped by Vasco da Gama, was the bedrock of a season that culminated in the Série B title with a commanding 78 points. Cruzeiro`s feat remains the high-water mark for consecutive wins in the 20-club, points-based era of the competition since 2006.
Athletico`s Relentless March in 2025
Fast forward to 2025, and Athletico Paranaense, under the tactical direction of Odair Hellmann, is mirroring that success. Their seven-game streak, commencing from the 23rd round, has been a masterclass in consistency and determination. They`ve dispatched a diverse set of opponents, showcasing both defensive solidity and offensive firepower:
Athletico`s 2025 Série B Winning Streak:
- CRB 0x1 Athletico
- Athletico 2×1 Novorizontino
- Botafogo-SP 1×3 Athletico
- Chapecoense 2×3 Athletico
- Athletico 2×0 Vila Nova
- Athletic-MG 0x3 Athletico
- Athletico 1×0 Operário-PR
This Sunday (October 5th), the Furacão will face Atlético-GO at the Antônio Accioly stadium. This away fixture is not just another game; it`s an opportunity to etch their name alongside Cruzeiro in the annals of Série B history. A victory would not only equal the eight-win record but also solidify their position as serious promotion contenders.
It`s worth noting that while their Série B journey has been pristine, Athletico did experience two Copa do Brasil defeats to Corinthians during this period. However, in the context of the league championship, their resolve has remained unbroken.
Beyond the Horizon: The Promotion Puzzle and Historical Context
A winning streak, while exhilarating, doesn`t always guarantee the ultimate prize. History, in its often-ironic fashion, offers a few cautionary tales. Other clubs have achieved seven consecutive victories in Série B since 2006:
Teams with 7-Win Streaks in Série B (since 2006):
- Goiás (2024)
- Novorizontino (2023)
- Joinville (2014)
- São Caetano (2009)
- Corinthians (2008)
Intriguingly, Goiás, Novorizontino, and São Caetano, despite their impressive runs, failed to secure promotion to Série A in their respective seasons. This serves as a stark reminder that consistency must be maintained through the arduous length of the entire championship.
Athletico`s Own History of Dominance
For Athletico, lengthy winning streaks are not entirely unfamiliar territory. In 2024, under coach Cuca, they achieved an eight-game unbeaten run, albeit across multiple competitions (Paranaense, Copa Sudamericana, Série A). Their club`s all-time record, however, dates back to 2008, when Ney Franco led them to an astounding twelve consecutive victories in the Campeonato Paranaense state league. These past glories underscore a club culture capable of fostering prolonged periods of success.
The G-4 Charge and the Road Ahead
Athletico`s current surge is more than just a statistical anomaly; it`s a profound shift in their league standing. In a mere month, the Furacão catapulted from 13th to fourth position in Série B, now accumulating 48 points and firmly entrenched in the G-4 (the top four spots that guarantee promotion). Their lead over fifth-placed Novorizontino, who sit on 47 points, is a testament to their recent form.
According to projections from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Athletico holds a promising 72.5% chance of achieving promotion to Série A. While clubs like Coritiba (76.9%) and Criciúma (73.7%) slightly lead in probabilities, Athletico`s trajectory is undeniable.
With nine grueling rounds remaining, every match becomes a final. Athletico faces a challenging fixture list that includes both direct rivals and tricky away games:
Key Upcoming Fixtures for Athletico in Série B:
- Atlético-GO (away): Sunday, Oct 5th, 8:30 PM (Brasília time)
- Remo (away): Thursday, Oct 9th, 9:35 PM
- Avaí (home): Tuesday, Oct 14th, 9:30 PM
- Coritiba (away)
- Amazonas (home)
- Goiás (away)
- Volta Redonda (home)
- Ferroviária-SP (away)
- América-MG (home)
Conclusion
As Athletico Paranaense prepares for their pivotal encounter against Atlético-GO, the air is thick with anticipation. This isn`t just a pursuit of a numerical record; it`s a battle for a place in Brazil`s football elite. The lessons of Cruzeiro`s 2022 campaign and the cautionary tales of other streaks loom large, yet the Furacão`s current momentum suggests a team ready to overcome any historical precedent. The coming weeks will determine if Athletico can not only equal a record but also complete their ultimate mission: a well-deserved return to Série A.
