Barra FC Defeats Inter de Limeira in Série D Semifinal Frist Leg, Inches Closer to National Final
Barra, SC – Barra FC secured a 2-0 victory over Inter de Limeira in the first leg of the Brasileirão Série D semifinal on Wednesday, positioning themselves favorably ahead of next week’s return match.Goals from defender Vavá in the opening minute and Renan Bernabé shortly after halftime propelled Barra to a commanding lead in the two-legged tie.
The win puts Barra within touching distance of a place in the Série D final and automatic promotion to Série C for the 2026 season – a feat already secured for both teams irrespective of the semifinal outcome. However, the stakes remain high as the final guarantees a national championship title and meaningful financial benefits for the winning club.Inter de Limeira now faces an uphill battle, needing a ample victory in the second leg to overturn the deficit and reach the final.
Vavá opened the scoring in the first minute with a header from a free kick, giving barra an early advantage. The home side continued to dominate the first half, maintaining their 1-0 lead until the break. Bernabé extended Barra’s lead immediately after the restart, capitalizing on a rebound from Saulo to score in the first minute of the second half. Despite Inter de Limeira’s attempts to reduce the deficit, Barra held firm to secure the clean sheet and a crucial first-leg win.
The return leg is scheduled for Saturday,January 20th,at 4:00 PM Brasília time,at the Major Levy Sobrinho Stadium in Limeira,São Paulo. Barra can afford to lose by a single goal and still advance to the final. Inter de Limeira, conversely, must win by at least three goals, or by two to force a penalty shootout, to keep their championship aspirations alive.