The Estádio Leônidas Castro in Belém sets the stage for a crucial clash as struggling Paysandu Pa host Criciuma in round ten of the Campeonato Brasileiro Série B 2025 season. Both teams urgently seek momentum, with Paysandu Pa yet to secure a single victory this campaign, while Criciuma have also found life tough among Brazil’s second division elite. As the pressure mounts, every point gained or lost could prove decisive in the relegation battle. Notably, the managers Luizinho Lopes and Eduardo Baptista are under increasing scrutiny regarding their tactical choices amid inconsistent results.
Key players to watch in this tense encounter include Paysandu’s leading forward Jorge Benitez, responsible for one of the rare goals in their last five matches, and Criciuma’s creative full-back Marcelo Hermes, whose solid defensive numbers and distribution have stood out in an otherwise challenging spell for the visitors.
A “hot stat” that cannot be ignored: Criciuma have managed 36 corner kicks in their last five matches, demonstrating offensive initiative even as goals have dried up.
| 🏆 Tournament: | Campeonato Brasileiro Série B 2025 – Regular Season |
| 🏟 Venue: | Estádio Leônidas Castro, Belém |
| 🗓️ Date: | 03.06.2025 |
| ⏰ Time: | 03:00 CEST |
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Paysandu Pa vs Criciuma prediction
Given both teams’ current form and performance trends, a low-scoring, closely-contested draw or a marginal away win stands out as the most probable scenario. Paysandu Pa’s protracted goal drought (just 3 goals in five matches) and winless record weigh heavily against them, but Criciuma’s own patchy clinical edge (just 1 goal in five games) tempers ambitions for the visitors. The match could well hinge on set pieces and defensive discipline. The draw offers strong value, as neither team projects clear attacking superiority.
Both sides have shown a penchant for physical play: Paysandu have registered 33 fouls and 8 yellows in their last five games, while Criciuma’s numbers are even higher with 68 fouls and 12 yellows, underscoring a battle that could become stop-start and reliant on moments of individual brilliance. Possession figures skew toward Criciuma, who completed 2020 passes to Paysandu’s 1362 in the last five games, but accuracy (Criciuma 82.7%, Paysandu 80.9%) and shot conversion let both down, often resulting in frustrated attacks and defensive errors. Expect a tight contest, potentially marred by fouls and lacking in clear attacking sequences.
| 🔥Hot Tip: | Draw No Bet: Criciuma |
| ⚽Total Goals: | Under 2.5 |
| 💥Both Teams To Score: | No |
| 🎯Total Corners: | Over 8.5 |
Team Analysis
Paysandu Pa come into this game desperate for a turnaround. Their last match, a 1-3 defeat to Novorizontino, typified their patterns: defensive lapses and lack of cutting edge up front. Despite a spirited effort that saw them register 53 total shots and 16 corners across their last five outings, only 3 goals have resulted. Matheus Nogueira has offered stability in goal, and Jorge Benitez netted against Novorizontino, but collective creativity remains lacking. Too often, their 4-2-3-1 formation fails to transition effectively from midfield, leaving attackers isolated and vulnerable to counter-presses.
Criciuma have also suffered in recent weeks, losing narrowly 0-1 to Coritiba in their last outing. Their five-match span is characterized by dominance in set pieces (36 corners) and defensive workrate (37 interceptions), but these attributes have failed to mask their bluntness in attack. The 5-4-1 setup affords stability but also leaves the lone striker bereft of support – Criciuma have managed just 1 goal in their last five. However, Marcelo Hermes and Rodrigo Fagundes have been standouts in distribution and ball recovery, hinting at the platform for improvement if their forwards regain form.
Most recent Head-to-Head Matches
| Statistic | Paysandu Pa | Criciuma |
|---|---|---|
| Total shots | 53 | 81 |
| Free kicks | 6 | 1 |
| Corner kicks | 16 | 36 |
| Total fouls | 33 | 68 |
| Pass accuracy (%) | 81 | 83 |
| Interceptions | 28 | 37 |
| Offsides | 11 | 6 |
🚨Read our full Paysandu Pa vs Criciuma stats for more analysis.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Paysandu Pa the favourite
- Moneyline Paysandu Pa 2.36 | Criciuma 3.25
- Draw 3.05
- Over/Under Over 2.5 2.35 | Under 2.5 1.56
- BTTS (both teams to score) Yes 2.10 | No 1.66
While Paysandu Pa are marginal favorites with home advantage, neither side justifies significant confidence, and odds for the draw or a low-scoring affair are appealing in the context of both teams’ attacking struggles. The “Under 2.5” market is particularly well-priced, reflecting recent performance data and both teams’ inefficiency in front of goal.
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Possible Starting Lineups
Paysandu Pa possible starting eleven

- GK: Matheus Nogueira
- DF: Edílson Júnior, Luan, Patric Calmon, Maurício Antônio
- MF: Leandro Vilela, Matheus Vargas, Giovanni
- FW: Rossi, Nicolas Godinho Johann, Jorge Benitez
Coach Luizinho Lopes is likely to stick with the 4-2-3-1, prioritizing midfield compactness and counterattacking runs from Rossi and Nicolas Johann. Jorge Benitez will spearhead the line hoping for improved service. The defensive partnership of Luan and Maurício Antônio remains crucial if Paysandu are to stem the flow of goals conceded.
Criciuma possible starting eleven

- GK: Alisson
- DF: Marcelo Hermes, Rodrigo Fagundes, Marcelo Benevenuto, Luciano Castan, Marcio Almeida de Oliveira
- MF: Juninho, Morelli, Matheus Trindade, Zé Gabriel
- FW: Diego Gonçalves
Eduardo Baptista is expected to maintain his preference for the 5-4-1 formation, relying on the width and defensive discipline of Hermes and Fagundes, while Diego Gonçalves operates as the lone forward. The central quartet in midfield provides balance, with Juninho offering incisive passes and set piece prowess. Defensive solidity will be key as Criciuma look to capitalize on Paysandu’s attacking deficiencies.
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Paysandu Pa. Source: Official Facebook. Edited photo
The Verdict
While emotion weighs heavily for Paysandu at home, statistics simply cannot be ignored: both sides are mired in poor form, but Criciuma’s greater set-piece threat and defensive intensity make them the slightly more reliable pick in a cautious market. My main pick: Draw No Bet on Criciuma, backed by superior numbers in corners, passing, and defensive interventions. Expect a grim, attritional contest — perfect for an under goals bet, but not for the faint-hearted. A goalless draw or single-goal win for the visitors looks highly plausible.
