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Football in Acre witnessed a historic chapter on Saturday night (21). The newcomer to the elite of state football, defeated the traditional and centuries-old Rio Branco in the grand final of the 2026 Acreano Championship. With a victory by the minimum score of 1-0, “Santinha” secured the unprecedented trophy and wrote its name in the gallery of champions in its first participation in the main division.
The only goal of the match was scored 13 minutes into the first half. After the goal, Santa Cruz demonstrated impeccable defensive organization, holding the advantage throughout the rest of the match. Rio Branco, the state’s biggest title holder, pressed in search of a draw, but ran into the solid barrier set up by the debuting team.
David vs Goliath
The achievement takes on epic dimensions due to the difference in trajectory between the finalists. On one side, Rio Branco Futebol Clube, with more than 100 years of history and dozens of titles. On the other, Santa Cruz, a club just four years old that climbed the promotion divisions to surprise the capital’s giants.
National Calendar
With the title, Santa Cruz not only lifts the state cup, but also secures the best places for national competitions in 2027, including the Copa do Brasil, Copa Verde and Série D of the Brazilian Championship. The fans’ party took over the stadium’s stands, celebrating the birth of a new force in Acre football.
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