Sport Recife 2-1 Criciuma: result and AI prediction

AI match recap

This is a high-stakes promotion-race meeting at Ilha do Retiro, with Sport trying to halt a damaging home setback and Criciúma protecting a stronger league position. Sport receive a timely defensive lift with Marcelo Benevenuto back, but remain without the suspended Marcelo Ajul and may only have Fernando Sobral as an option from the bench. Criciúma bring sharper recent form, Jhonata Robert's return and a defensive structure that has repeatedly kept games tight. The contest should hinge on whether Sport's wide rotations can disorganise Criciúma before the visitors' creators find room in transition.

Head-to-head analysis

The reverse fixture finished with a narrow Criciúma win, and the last nine meetings contain several draws and one-goal margins. At Ilha do Retiro, Sport have generally been harder to beat, but this pairing has rarely produced a comfortable result.

Injuries and absences

Sport must replace suspended centre-back Marcelo Ajul, although Marcelo Benevenuto's return limits the disruption. Criciúma's César Martins travelled with calf discomfort, and his readiness will decide whether the visitors retain a three-centre-back system; Sobral and Jhonata Robert are returning options rather than confirmed starters.

Form (last 5)

Sport Recife vs Criciuma stats

Last meetings

• 2026-07-04Criciuma 1-0 Sport Recife
• 2023-09-09Sport Recife 3-3 Criciuma
• 2023-05-25Criciuma 1-0 Sport Recife
• 2022-08-03Sport Recife 1-1 Criciuma
• 2022-04-23Criciuma 1-1 Sport Recife
• 2019-11-09Sport Recife 1-0 Criciuma

Other Serie B matches

• Operario-PR – Athletic Club
• Avai – Botafogo SP
• Atletico Goianiense – Novorizontino
• São Bernardo – Vila Nova
• CRB – Londrina
• Ponte Preta – Fortaleza EC
• America Mineiro – Cuiaba
• Juventude – Nautico Recife