Athletic Club beat Criciúma 2-0 in the Brasileiro Série B, taking the lead inside five minutes through Pedro Oliveira and sealing the win after the break. Criciúma had far more of the ball and chances, but Athletic made their moments count.
Pedro Oliveira opened the scoring in the 5th minute to make it 1-0. Wilinton Aponzá doubled the lead in the 55th minute, with Dixon Vera providing the assist, and Athletic saw the game out from there. Criciúma pushed for a response but could not convert their pressure into goals.
The numbers tell the story of a team outplayed but ruthless: Criciúma had 66% possession, 13 shots to Athletic's 6, and a higher expected-goals total of 1.49 to 0.68. Athletic managed just two shots on target, both of which went in, while Criciúma's two were saved.
