Maguary vs Decisao on 25 January
As the clock ticks down to January 25th, all eyes will be on the battle between Maguary and Decisao in the 2026 Pernambucano tournament. This fixture promises to be a fiery affair, as both teams seek to assert their dominance and propel themselves further up the table. The stakes couldn't be higher—while Maguary will be aiming to solidify their position and push for a top spot, Decisao is in desperate need of points to avoid slipping into the relegation zone. The match will take place at Maguary's home ground, where the atmosphere is sure to be electric, adding to the tension on the pitch. A win here could prove pivotal for both sides in the context of their season.
Maguary: Tactical Approach and Current Form
With a strong track record in recent games, Maguary enters this clash with solid momentum. In their last five matches, they've secured 3 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss, showing resilience and a capacity to respond to pressure. Their attacking play is defined by quick transitions and high pressing, with a focus on exploiting spaces left behind by opponents in the final third. Maguary averages 58% possession per match, but what sets them apart is their efficiency in the attacking third—boasting an impressive xG (expected goals) of 1.8 per game. Their sharp counter-attacking play, led by the creative midfield duo, has been a key weapon this season.
On the defensive side, Maguary employs a well-drilled 4-3-3 formation. The full-backs provide width, while the midfield trio works to disrupt opposing build-up play and recover possession quickly. This system is built around high pressing, with the team averaging 15 pressing actions per match—often forcing errors in the opposition's defensive half. They will need to maintain this intensity to stifle Decisao’s midfield and prevent them from dictating the tempo of the game.
The key player for Maguary is their captain and playmaker, Thiago Barbosa. His ability to pick out passes in the final third and his composure under pressure make him indispensable. With the striker, Rafael Lima, in form—scoring 5 goals in the last 3 games—Maguary will be hoping their attacking trio can break down Decisao's defense. However, they’ll be without key midfielder Rodrigo Silva due to injury, which could force a reshuffle in midfield and affect their fluidity in transition.
Decisao: Tactical Approach and Current Form
Decisao comes into this match in a precarious position, with just 1 win, 2 draws, and 2 losses in their last five games. The team has struggled with consistency, but a recent 2-1 victory over a mid-table rival will provide them with a small dose of optimism. Decisao typically lines up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, focusing on solid defensive structure and counter-attacking football. While they average just 45% possession, they excel in making the most of their chances in transition, with an xG of 1.4 per game—lower than Maguary but still a significant threat on the counter.
Defensively, Decisao has had issues with protecting their box, conceding an average of 1.5 goals per match. Their two central midfielders, Bruno Silva and João Pedro, will play a crucial role in preventing Maguary from dominating possession. However, Decisao's high defensive line could leave them vulnerable to Maguary’s quick, direct attacks. On set pieces, Decisao has shown a lack of organization at times, allowing easy goals from dead-ball situations—a weakness Maguary will undoubtedly target.
The heart of Decisao's attack lies in forward, Lucas Santos, who has been the team's primary outlet with 7 goals this season. His pace and ability to stretch the defense make him a constant threat in the transition game. However, the absence of defensive stalwart Carlos Henrique, suspended after an accumulation of yellow cards, leaves a significant gap in Decisao’s backline. This could potentially be exploited by Maguary's wingers, who are known for their direct running and dribbling skills.
Head-to-Head: History and Psychology
The recent head-to-head record between these two sides has been fairly even, with Maguary edging out Decisao in 2 of their last 5 meetings, while Decisao has won 1. Their most recent encounter in September 2025 ended in a dramatic 2-2 draw, with both teams displaying moments of brilliance but also vulnerability. Historically, these matches have been closely contested, with very little to separate the two. The games tend to be high-paced, often with late goals that reflect the desperation of both teams to claim the full three points.
Psychologically, Maguary will feel the pressure to continue their strong run at home, while Decisao knows that this is a must-win match if they are to keep their hopes of avoiding relegation alive. In their last away match, Decisao struggled to break down an organized defense, and their inability to convert chances could cost them again in this fixture. Their resilience will be tested, and their mentality will need to be top-notch to handle the intensity of the game.
Key Battles and Critical Zones
One of the critical battles in this game will be the contest between Maguary’s wingers, particularly João Martins, and Decisao’s right-back, Marcos Pereira. Martins has been in stellar form this season, creating chances and drifting into dangerous areas to create overloads. Pereira, while solid defensively, will need to be at his best to nullify Martins' threat—an exciting individual battle that could decide the outcome.
Another key area will be the midfield battle. Maguary’s Thiago Barbosa and Decisao’s Bruno Silva will face off in the middle of the park. Barbosa’s vision and passing range will be tested against Silva’s hard-working, combative style. Whoever wins this battle could have the freedom to dictate the tempo, and that could swing the match in their team’s favor.
The final critical area to watch is in transition. Maguary’s counter-attacking style will rely heavily on their pace in wide areas, while Decisao’s success will hinge on quick passes through the midfield to release Lucas Santos. The team that is able to win the ball back and exploit space in the final third will hold a significant advantage.
Match Scenario and Prediction
In this highly anticipated clash, the most likely scenario is a fast-paced and high-intensity game. Maguary will look to dominate possession early on, with their pressing system designed to choke Decisao’s attempts to build from the back. Decisao, on the other hand, will sit back and look to hit on the counter, relying on the pace of Lucas Santos to exploit any gaps left by Maguary’s attacking full-backs.
With both teams possessing significant attacking threats, it’s likely we’ll see goals at both ends. However, the absence of Carlos Henrique in the Decisao defense could prove to be the difference. Maguary’s fluid attack should be able to break through, especially with the combination of their wingers and midfielders. Expect a 2-1 win for Maguary, with both teams scoring, but Maguary’s superior attacking depth should see them edge this one out.
Final Thoughts
This match will provide crucial answers about both teams’ prospects for the rest of the season. For Maguary, the test is whether they can maintain their strong attacking form while managing the absence of key players in midfield. For Decisao, the question is whether they can muster enough resilience to pull off a surprise result on the road, despite their defensive vulnerabilities.
The outcome of this match could be a defining moment in the tournament for both sides—can Decisao avoid the drop, or will Maguary continue to chase the top spots? The answer awaits us on January 25th.
