Paraná Clube defeated Toledo 2-0 to take the lead in the Segundona knockout stage.
The semifinals of the Paraná State Second Division are set. Araucária secured the last spot by beating Rio Branco on Monday night, joining Paranavaí, Patriotas, and Paraná Clube in the final four. Two of these teams will earn promotion to the top tier of state football in 2027.
Araucária entered the match at Vila Capanema with an advantage after winning 5-2 away in Paranaguá. They made home advantage count again, defeating Rio Branco 1-0 to confirm their place in the semis.
Araucária will face Paraná Clube for a spot in the final. Paraná Clube eliminated Toledo with an aggregate score of 8-1, winning both legs: 2-0 at home and 6-1 away.
Having a better first-phase record, Paraná Clube starts the tie away and will host the second leg. Araucária, however, has yet to confirm the venue for the first semifinal match.
The other promotion spot will be contested between Paranavaí and Patriotas. Both teams eliminated Laranja Mecânica and Nacional respectively, with identical scorelines: goalless draws in the first legs, followed by 1-0 wins in the return matches.
Patriotas, finishing second in the first phase, will host the second leg at Atílio Gionédis in Campo Largo. Paranavaí will host the first leg at Felipão.
The Paraná Football Federation will release the semifinal schedule soon. The first legs are set for May 16-17, with return matches on May 23-24. Both finalists will secure promotion to the elite division.
João Felipe of Paraná Clube celebrates his goal against Toledo — Photo: Dido Henrique/PRC
Semifinal matchups:
Paraná Clube vs Araucária
Patriotas vs Paranavaí
*Teams listed on the left will host the second leg.