The fight for promotion in Brazil's Série B is heating up, and all eyes are on the four big clubs who suffered the sting of relegation last season. For Ceará, Fortaleza, Juventude, and Sport, the upcoming fourth round represents a critical opportunity to turn their campaigns around and prove they belong back in the top flight.
So far, the road back has been rocky. Ceará leads the relegated quartet but sits in a modest sixth place. Their fierce state rival, Fortaleza, is languishing in 13th, while Sport holds ninth. The situation is most dire for Juventude, who find themselves in the relegation zone at 19th. The pressure is on for these historic clubs to start climbing the table.
The round kicks off Friday night with Criciúma hosting Botafogo-SP. Saturday's slate is packed with must-watch action, headlined by Juventude's tough test against league-leading Goiás. Later, Sport faces a high-flying Avaí side, and Ceará will look to capitalize on home turf against Náutico.
Sunday brings the round to a close with five matches, including a crucial away trip for Fortaleza as they visit São Bernardo. Every point matters in the long grind of Série B, and for these fallen giants, the quest for redemption continues this weekend.
