The Volta Redonda and Grêmio Novorizontino faced off in a tense Copa Sul-Sudeste encounter on May 7, 2026, with the visitors grabbing a hard‑fought 2‑1 victory. The match, played under the lights at Estádio Raulino de Oliveira, saw Novorizontino take control early, but Volta Redonda responded with determination, only to fall short in the final exchanges.

Match Overview

From the opening whistle, both sides showed aggressive pressing, but it was Grêmio Novorizontino who struck first. A well‑worked move down the left flank in the 23rd minute led to a composed finish from forward Lucas Coelho, giving the away side a 1‑0 lead. Volta Redonda refused to wilt and equalised just before half‑time through a powerful header from defender Luan off a corner kick.

Second‑Half Drama

The second half was a battle of midfield control. Novorizontino adjusted their shape, pushing higher and forcing Volta Redonda into defensive errors. The decisive moment came in the 73rd minute when Gustavo Mantuan pounced on a loose ball inside the box and fired a low shot into the far corner. Volta Redonda pushed for a late equaliser but were denied by a combination of solid goalkeeping from Felipe Alves and last‑ditch defending.

Key Performers

• Gustavo Mantuan (Novorizontino) – Scored the winner and was a constant threat on the counter.
• Luan (Volta Redonda) – A commanding defensive display and a crucial equalising goal.
• Felipe Alves (Novorizontino) – Made several vital saves to preserve the lead.

The result keeps Novorizontino in contention for the top spots in the Copa Sul‑Sudeste standings, while Volta Redonda will look to bounce back in their next fixture.