Podgoria won and keeps their top position.
After 5 wins in a row, Vitezistii finally lost, falling to 3rd place 4 points away from the top.
And Abatorul keeps the pressure, winning and staying 2 points away from Podgoria.
Finally, Red Wings seems to be out of their slump and is back on the chase, just 5 points away.
The relegation battle
11 matches lost in the last 12 matches basically condemn Barcelona.
Sparta is not much better, specially after selling every useful player in their team in the last couple of weeks.
The third relegation spot is up for grabs, though, and nobody in the bottom half of the table should feel safe.
Matchday 16
This matchday mostly faces the top half teams of the table with the bottom half, so there's a chance that anybody in the title fight that leaves points would be left behind.
At the same time, this would be a good opportunity for teams trying to sail to safety, in case they manage to steal some points.
A run-down through Divizia A sports media
Finally, next we have what each Divizia A team's sport media is talking about today's matches.
It's just a couple of paragraphs and twits from each one. In this thread you can read a longer version with more focus on last week's matches.
Also, a few hours after today's matches are played, you'll find their reaction to them.
23 Mai Onesti (8) vs (1) Podgoria Murfatlar
Vinul Roșu Sportiv - The Sporting Red Wine
Podgoria's Official Media
Sparta 0-3 Podgoria. No hiccups, no surprises—Podgoria remain top, and the performance matched their title ambitions. Confidence is growing among fans that this could finally be the season the Wine-makers pop the cork on a league title, after years of "almosts." The team is starting to look clinical again after midseason slips:
The trip to Onesti looks trickier than the table suggests. The hosts have the quality to sting, and Podgoria must guard against complacency. Still, with the title in their hands and the best squad in the league, anything less than a win would feel like points dropped.
On X VinulRosuSportiv wrote:
Business as usual
Sparta 0–3 Podgoria – Nedelea (2), Archer
Next up: away at Onesti. Let’s keep the pressure on.
#CampaniaTitlului #VinulRoșu
could this finally be the season the Wine-makers pop the cork on a league title?
The 23:05 Report
23 Mai's Official Media
Red Wings 1-0 23 Mai. Frustration is brewing in Onesti. 23 Mai have now lost back-to-back games, slipping from 4th to 8th in just two weeks. For a very good squad with past podium finishes and a star-studded attack, expectations were top-five, maybe even a Challenge Cup push. The football isn’t even bad—they had ten shots on target here—but luck and finishing are deserting them at the worst time.
It doesn’t get easier. Podgoria are next, and they’ve been ruthless this season. That said, 23 Mai tend to rise to big games—and anything less than maximum effort could turn into a rout. Fans want a response, not more "what ifs." It’s time for the forwards to start finishing what the midfield creates.
On X The2305Report wrote:
23 Mai fall 0–1 to Red Wings. Ten shots on target, zero goals. It's impossible this way.
Next: vs leaders Podgoria. Either we wake up—or we get buried.
#23MaiOrNever
23 Mai have now lost back-to-back games, slipping from 4th to 8th in just two weeks.
Barcelona (12) vs (2) Abatorul Slobozia
Gazeta de Măcel - The Butcher’s Gazette
Abatorul Slobozia's Official Media
Abatorul 2-0 Pretor. Back-to-back wins after a turbulent mid-season stretch have put the Red Devils right back in the title fight. With just two points off the top and Broketa rediscovering his cannon leg, confidence is simmering in Slobozia. Fans know Podgoria remain the big obstacle, but Abatorul’s experience in navigating tight title races has the faithful feeling a fifth straight crown might not be so far-fetched after all.
Next up: Barcelona, last in the table and emotionally six feet under. It should be a routine three points, but this season has taught Abatorul that no one can be taken lightly—especially not a desperate team with nothing to lose. Expect rotation and early pressure; Slobozia will want to kill this one quickly and conserve energy for the bigger battles ahead.
On X GazetaMacel wrote:
Abatorul 2-0 Pretor. Broketa with a brace of beauties, as we keep the pressure on Podgoria.
Next: away at Barcelona. Time to silence the Nou Camp.
#SlaughterSeason
Abatorul’s experience in navigating tight title races has the faithful feeling a fifth straight crown within reach
Vocea Catalană - The Catalan Voice
Barcelona's Official Media
U Cluj 4-2 Barcelona. That’s 11 defeats in the last 12. The fans feel betrayed by the disconnect between the supposed squad strength and the actual on-field disaster. Even with Sutalo and Oterhals scoring, there’s no structure, no defensive coherence, and now only 7 games left to erase an thirteen-point gap. This team has failed to act like a top-flight side, and they’ll be returning to Divizia B long before Matchday 22.
Slobozia is coming. And they’re not here to play nice. Abatorul are second and gunning for their fifth consecutive title. Unless Barcelona summon a miracle — and maybe an exorcist — this could get brutal. Fans just want a reason to believe again, even if that just means keeping it respectable.
On X VoceaCatalana wrote:
Another punch to the gut: 4–2 loss to U Cluj.
We host the champs next. Yes, those champs. Abatorul Slobozia.
#CulesInCrisis #DiviziaA
On X VoceaCatalana wrote:
We are running out of games. Running out of time. Running out of excuses.
#SaveUsOrDropUs
The fans feel betrayed by the disconnect between the supposed squad strength and the actual on-field disaster.
Vitezistii (3) vs (9) Universitatea Cluj
Accelerația 4S - The 4S Acceleration
Vitezistii's Official Media
Vitezistii 1-2 Navigator. After riding high with five straight wins and sitting in second place, Vitezistii’s fanbase had every reason to believe they were finally ready to convert potential into silverware. But this loss at home to Navigator was a sharp and sobering reminder that they remain vulnerable, especially when they deviate from what works. With 4 points separating them from first place, the margin for error has shrunk dramatically.
Universitatea Cluj visits 4S Arena next — a team on a mixed run but freshly invigorated after a crucial win. Despite their inconsistency, they’ve shown they can score in bursts. This is a must-win if we want to stay in the title picture. No more tactical experiments — it’s time to go back to basics and reimpose ourselves at home, especially with Benyamina in golden boot form.
On X Acceleratia4S wrote:
⚽ Vitezistii 1–2 Navigator.
Frustrating loss after a dominant display. Time to reset — Cluj next at the 4S Arena.
#GoForTheTitle
On X Acceleratia4S wrote:
Only 7 rounds to go. No more slip-ups. Every match is a final now.
#AccelerațiaTitlului
With 4 points separating them from first place, the margin for error has shrunk dramaticallyAlb și Negru Academic - Black and White Academic
Universitatea Cluj's Official Media
U Cluj 4-2 Barcelona. A vital win that snapped a four-game losing streak has brought back a bit of light in Cluj. Fans feel this group may yet avoid the drop. The team showed attacking life with ten shots on target, and seeing Bughianu and Gurbaskan both score gives hope that the forwards might finally be clicking. They’re far from safe, but optimism exists for the first time in weeks.
A visit to 4S Arena next week won’t be easy. Vitezistii are licking their wounds after a rare defeat but remain in the title hunt. The matchup between Cluj’s reinvigorated strike duo and Vitezistii’s compact midfield (anchored by Benyamina) could prove decisive. A draw would be gold; anything more would be a miracle. But with confidence restored, don’t rule out a surprise.
On X AlbsiNegruAcademic wrote:
Back in business: 4–2 over Barcelona, ending the losing streak and sparking survival hopes!
Up next: away at Vitezistii. Another mountain to climb.
#UCluj #DiviziaA
They’re far from safe, but optimism exists for the first time in weeks.
Pretor (6) vs (4) Steaua Red Wings
Zborul Roșu - The Red Flight
Red Wings' Official Media
Red Wings 1-0 23 Mai. The Red Wings faithful are cautiously optimistic after a third straight win, their best run since early in the season. The campaign has been turbulent —they were leaders before the mid-season slump, but given their squad modesty, staying in the title conversation at this point is beyond what most fans dared to hope. With a top-tier goalkeeper in Shand and two dangerous forwards finally linking up again, hope has quietly returned to Red Wings Arena.
Red Wings now travel to face Pretor, a club close in the standings but perhaps a tier below in quality. Still, away form has been shaky lately, and Pretor tend to punch above their weight at home. Expect a tight tactical battle in midfield. If Shand maintains form and Danniell stays sharp, Red Wings have a real shot to keep the streak alive—and inch closer to the top.
On X ZborulRosu wrote:
Red Wings 1–0 23 Mai! Shand puts in a superhuman shift & Verhar heads us to 3 points!
Next: away vs Pretor. Let’s stay sharp.
#SteauaFlyingHigh
Staying in the title conversation at this point is beyond what most fans dared to hope.
Tribunalul Sportiv - The Sporting Tribunal
Pretor's Official Media
Abatorul 2-0 Pretor. Another false dawn for the Magistrate. After a promising midseason push, the wheels seem to be coming off again. It’s one thing to lose at Red Devil’s —it’s another to look harmless while doing it. Pretor barely troubled Bundalo, and though they kept shape decently, there was simply no spark going forward. A brace from Broketa buried any chance of getting something out of this one, and the midfield—normally Pretor’s safe haven—was overrun and overwhelmed.
Next match is a home showdown with the surging Red Wings—a test of character and composure. The visitors are flying high and packing pace up front, and if Pretor doesn’t step up physically, they could be chasing shadows all game. The stakes? Keeping touch with the mid-table and proving that this season still has fight left in it.
On X TribunalSportiv wrote:
Tough loss away: Abatorul 2-0 Pretor. No excuses—we were second best.
Now it's back to the Arena. Red Wings next. Let’s restore order.
#JudgementDay
The squad has quality in moments, but consistency is missing in action.
Navigator (5) vs (10) Giunamea Armaneasca
Busola de Iași - The Iași Compass
Navigator's Official Media
Vitezistii 1-2 Navigator. Victory on the road against a title-chasing side? Yes please. Navigator fans have seen it all this season — the early collapses, the inconsistent midfield, and the recent emergence of a team that’s finally living up to its potential. Now, with three wins in a row and a first top-five appearance since the season started, the compass is finally pointing north.
Next stop: Giunamea. The Aromanians are sliding and have now lost three straight. But make no mistake — they’ve got a couple of dangerous forwards, and Navigator can’t afford a drop in focus. Win this, and we could crack the top 4. Expect Galeteanu and Garic to take control early — and for Busola to stay locked on course.
On X BusolaIasi wrote:
✅ Vitezistii 1–2 Navigator
Three wins on the spin, and climbing. Giunamea next.
#NavigatoriiAvansează
Three wins in a row and a first top-five appearance since the season started
Vocea Privighetorii - The Nightingale’s Voice
Giunamea Armănească's Official Media
Giunamea 0-3 Soimii. Things are starting to feel dangerously familiar. After three straight losses, Giunamea tumble back into 10th, and the specter of relegation begins creeping in. Preseason hopes of a solid midtable finish are dissolving, and fans are losing patience—especially after a home game where optimism vanished by minute 34:
The next match sends the Aromanians to Iași, where a rejuvenated Navigator side awaits—winners of three straight and climbing. It’s an uphill task for a Giunamea side short on attacking rhythm and even shorter on belief. Unless Spiridon pulls off a miracle between the posts or Yuksel finds a burst of form, this could be another long afternoon. Avoiding a fourth straight defeat might already feel like a win.
On X VoceaPrivighetorii wrote:
Giunamea 0-3 Soimii. All downhill after Dragomarin's red.
Next: a tough trip to Iași. Time to regroup.
#PrivighetoriiÎnZbor
The reality is settling in: the Aromanians are running out of lifelines.
Soimii IPA Sibiu (7) vs (11) Sparta
Șoimul Verde - The Green Falcon
Soimii I.P.A. Sibiu's Official Media
Giunamea 0-3 Soimii. It’s not champagne just yet, but there’s finally a sense of stability. From bottom-feeders to quietly sitting 7th, Șoimii have now won 5 of their last 9 —respectable for a squad many had written off a few weeks ago.
The next match brings Sparta to Sibiu—a golden opportunity. The newcomers are collapsing fast, gutted by midseason fire sales and unable to score. Șoimii, on the other hand, are riding high. Expect Duranay and Mihailescu to dictate the pace, especially with Sparta fielding a near-empty midfield. If there was ever a time to string back-to-back wins together, this is it.
On X SoimulVerde wrote:
Giunamea 0-3 Soimii
Mihailescu shines, Da Rosa dishes, and the Falcons soar! Next up: Sparta at home—we're not done yet.
#ZborDeSeară
On X SoimulVerde wrote:
One point behind 6th. A win vs Sparta could finally lift us into the top half. Let’s finish strong!
#ForțaȘoimii
The Falcons are circling midtable safety, and with the league’s weakest team up next, fans dare to dream.
Thermopylae Tribune
Sparta's Official Media
Sparta 0-3 Podgoria. The writing’s on the wall, and the ink is bright red. After a third straight defeat and the complete gutting of anything remotely resembling a first-division squad, Sparta fans are left staring down the barrel of relegation without so much as a Khanifsi-shaped lifeline. The optimism that followed their win in Matchday 12 now feels like a hallucination.
Up next, it’s a visit to Sibiu to face Soimii —a team with slightly more structure and fight in them. For Sparta, it’s either the spark of a revival or a full nosedive into second division inevitability. Unless Esperto or Tabanov summon something magical, the odds are ugly. This could be one of the last winnable games left.
On X ThermopylaeTribune wrote:
Another tough night in Termopile: Sparta 0–3 Podgoria.
Next: Away at Soimii, in what could be a lifeline.
#DiviziaA #RebuildingOrFalling
Sparta fans are left staring down the barrel of relegation
• Last seasons Top teams: 1st - Novorossiysk (63 points), 2nd - Aris Thessalonikis (61 points), 3rd - Torpedo Vladimir (52 points)• Promoted this season: Russtart, fromabove, FC ZOG
The top three continue to jostle for position with seven games left to play of the season, and reigning champions Beringen United Mightyred have hit the front for the first time, taking advantage of a slip from Gravediggers and winning their own fixture by crushing The Tea Garden 4-1 - courtesy of two goals from Alexander Dalen who was only denied a hat-trick by the woodwork. Gravediggers needed a second half equaliser to avoid defeat at home to 11th placed Ooza Looza, and fell to third as Albion Allstars kept their long unbeaten league run going with a 2-1 success over Merlin Magic XI.
In the bottom half of the table, there were important wins for both Phantom Force FC and Blyth-OK who picked up their fourth and third victories of the season respectively. Blyth moved just three points away from safety ahead of their crucial game with Ooza Looza on Saturday with a hard-fought away triumph at crystal palace f.c, while Phantom Force got the better of Rougemont Rovers who remain marooned in fourth, and a home fixture with marko durasinovic's Gravediggers at the weekend. Phantom Force host Chester Ducks, who picked up a useful away point at Aston Villa F.C., but remain seven points adrift of safety with only seven games left to play.
With just a point separating the three sides at the top, every result is crucial now. Villa will entertain Albion Allstars in a Midlands derby, and N4TH4N's side hoping to breach a defence which has only conceded seven times in the fifteen league games so far. Beringen have conceded five more than Albion, but have scored ten more themselves, but they may not have it all their own way in Round 16 when they head to Merlin Magic XI who are desperate for points to avoid the drop. The final game of the week is a mid-table clash between The Tea Garden who haven't won in three games, versus a crystal palace side coming into the game on the back of consecutive defeats.
Interested in writing for Iceland's league and Cup? Apply here.
Important games this round:
• Last seasons Top teams: 1st - Oldboys United (61 points), 2nd - Junkers United (57 points), 3rd - Vestmannaeyjar (56 points), 4th - Football club Valur (52 points)• Promoted this season: Kangaroo Island, Skytturnar, Mikkarar Football Club
Hibernia remain on top of the league and still unbeaten. However they did struggle against Knockea, only recording one shot on target. They did manage to keep a clean sheet with an 0-0 result in the end.
Second place fast n fit lost for the second game in a row. In a classic match against dubs4sam who eventually won 3-2 to ease their relegation worries. That leaves fast n fit 4 points behind Hibernia in second place.
Third place Red Forest had a convincing win away to 10 man Leinster Lions. They close the gap on fast n fit to 6 points.
Elsewhere there were wins for Irish Villa Mob and SportingHaroldsCross.
Preview on round 16 games
Irish Villa Mob v SportingHaroldsCross
Both teams won at the weekend and sit 4th and 5th respectfully. The Villa also won in the cup quarter finals on a penalty shoot out while Sporting lost a close game by the odd goal.
Hibernia v Myaella
Leaders Hibernia have not played well in their last couple of matches. They still find themselves unbeaten but could be there for the taken if Myaella play well on the day. Myaella had a draw in their last game and remain in mid table.
fast n fit v Knockea United
Two defeats in a row plus a defeat in the cup have knocked fast n fit back a little. However a win today will put them right back in contention for the league title. Knockea held Hibernia to a scoreless draw and won in their cup game to reach the semi finals. They could be coming into good form at the right moment.
Irish knights v Leinster Lions
Two teams that have been inconsistent all season. Both teams losing in their last league game, the lions with 10 men suffered a big defeat. They put that right in the cup with a win against the dubs, so they are still on track to retain the cup they won last season.
Killarney United v Red Forest
Killarney dropped into the bottom 3 at the weekend even with a 1-1 draw. While Forest continue with their impressive start to their return to the top flight.
Both teams are out of the cup, Forest beaten Killarney away 0-2 in a previous round, but still have a lot to play for in the league.
Serbian League – Preview of Round 16 (April 26, 2025 at 14:00)
With a review of results and commentary from Round 15
Results of Round 15 (April 19, 2025)
Kasovac Maratonci 1:0 F.C. Fakirs
Another solid win for the Maratonci. Stable in defense and increasingly effective in attack.
FK Radnik Bijeljina 2:2 FK Hajduk Sydney 06'
A derby without a winner – Radnik remains the leader, but the competition is no longer far behind.
FC Meshuggah Novi Sad 0:3 Mocni Veprovi
Veprovi dominant, Meshuggah with no answer – still without a win.
FC Lazies 1:0 FC Argo Sladoled Sombor
A minimal but important win for Lazies. Another clean sheet – still among the main favorites.
FK Midfild 0:1 Heroes
Heroes take three golden points, while Midfild fails to keep pace with the top.
Belgrade City 3:1 Arsenal RK
The upset of the round! City outplayed Arsenal and significantly distanced themselves from the danger zone.
Preview of Round 16 + Score Predictions (April 26, 2025)
Arsenal RK vs. FC Lazies
Arsenal must respond after the defeat, but Lazies are solid and stable – the favorite on paper.
Prediction: 1:2 FC Argo Sladoled Sombor vs. FK Radnik Bijeljina
Argo puts up a fight, but Radnik is motivated to stay on top.
Prediction: 0:2 F.C. Fakirs vs. FK Hajduk Sydney 06'
Hajduk becoming more lethal, Fakirs without answers against the offensive tempo.
Prediction: 1:3 Heroes vs. FC Meshuggah Novi Sad
Heroes are gaining form, Meshuggah still without a win.
Prediction: 2:0 Mocni Veprovi vs. Kasovac Maratonci
Veprovi strong at home, but Maratonci know how to surprise.
Prediction: 2:2 Belgrade City vs. FK Midfild
City on a roll, Midfild struggling. The home team has a psychological advantage.
Prediction: 2:1
Srpska liga – Najava 16. kola (26.04.2025. u 14:00)
Uz pregled rezultata i komentara iz 15. kola
Rezultati 15. kola (19.04.2025.)
Kasovac Maratonci 1:0 F.C. Fakirs
Još jedna čvrsta pobeda Maratonaca. Stabilni u odbrani i sve konkretniji u napadu.
FK Radnik Bijeljina 2:2 FK Hajduk Sydney 06'
Derbi bez pobednika – Radnik i dalje lider, ali konkurencija više nije daleko.
FC Meshuggah Novi Sad 0:3 Mocni Veprovi
Veprovi dominantni, Meshuggah bez odgovora – još uvek bez pobede.
FC Lazies 1:0 FC Argo Sladoled Sombor
Minimalna, ali važna pobeda Laziesa. Odbrana ponovo čista – i dalje među glavnim favoritima.
FK Midfild 0:1 Heroes
Heroes uzima zlata vredne bodove, dok Midfild ne uspeva da zadrži korak s vrhom.
Belgrade City 3:1 Arsenal RK
Iznenađenje kola! City nadigrao Arsenal i značajno se odvojio od opasne zone.
Najava 16. kola + Predviđanja rezultata (26.04.2025.)
Arsenal RK vs. FC Lazies
Arsenal mora da odgovori posle poraza, ali Lazies je čvrst i stabilan – favorit na papiru.
Predviđanje: 1:2 FC Argo Sladoled Sombor vs. FK Radnik Bijeljina
Argo pruža otpor, ali Radnik je motivisan da ostane na vrhu.
Predviđanje: 0:2 F.C. Fakirs vs. FK Hajduk Sydney 06'
Hajduk sve ubojitiji, Fakirs bez rešenja protiv ofanzivnog tempa.
Predviđanje: 1:3 Heroes vs. FC Meshuggah Novi Sad
Heroes podiže formu, Meshuggah i dalje bez pobede.
Predviđanje: 2:0 Mocni Veprovi vs. Kasovac Maratonci
Veprovi moćni kod kuće, ali Maratonci znaju da iznenade.
Predviđanje: 2:2 Belgrade City vs. FK Midfild
City u naletu, Midfild posustaje. Domaćin ima psihološku prednost.
Predviđanje: 2:1
• Last seasons Top teams: 1st - Lazio_1900 (59 points), 2nd - Val United (57 points), 3rd - CSKA Sofia (52 points), 4th - Kazanlŭk Thracians FC (49 points)• Promoted this season: bashmaystora.13, Neftochimik Burgas, ФК БДИН ВИДИН
Sumolix Stars vs. Sá City Futebol Clube
Sumolix dismantled Galacticos and are now three points ahead. Sá City remain unbeaten in four but face a major test here. Can the underdogs keep up their surprising form?
Desidrogenase Alcoólica vs. FC Saense
Huge opportunity for Desidrogenase, who stunned Pena d'Alva and now eye a second straight win. Saense haven’t won in two—momentum could finally shift for the hosts.
Vitoria de Setubal vs. Castendo Futebol Clube
Setubal have drawn two on the bounce and are at risk of being caught in the second palce. Castendo, fresh off a big win, will be bold—but Setubal at home are usually a fortress.
S. C. Pena d´Alva vs. Grupo Desportivo de Sá
Both teams dropped points last round, and the pressure is on. Grupo Sá remain in the top three but can't afford more slips. Pena d’Alva, so up-and-down, are hard to predict.
imbativeis vs. Futebol Clube do Porto
Porto were held again and are drifting in the middle of the table. Imbativeis draw their last match and might fancy their chances to leapfrog the Dragons.
Águias da Rocha vs. Galacticos C.P.
Águias are reeling, while Galacticos were steamrolled last week. Both sides need a turnaround, but Galacticos especially can't afford another loss with top-3 hopes fading.
• Last seasons Top teams: 1st - Club Atlético Ciclón (60 points), 2nd - Royal Pari (57 points), 3rd - Nomads F.C. (54 points), 4th - Blooming (47 points)• Promoted this season: Real Santa Cruz United, Electrical Cruz, c2h5ohhh
CB: The author of this newsletter went on a trip and hasn’t followed Dugout over the past few rounds... But nothing has changed in the CB.
Udi City remains at the top—perhaps with less impressive scorelines and a weaker performance than in the first half—but still unthreatened, as its main challengers haven’t shown the consistency needed to reach the leader’s 32 points.
Archrivals Capelópolis and Flecha currently share second place with 25 points and will face off in Round 16—while Udi visits eighth-placed Moços.
At the bottom of the table, we find a semi-dino, the dino of dinos, and a newcomer: Camisas is in last place and will face tenth-placed Big Fish. Meanwhile, the legendary Piraloku will try to bounce back against Bit—whose presence in the CB has been so surprising that even division members are praising it. B1: It’s inevitable—he always shows up. In the second division, Na Canela would be in the title race even if he fielded a team full of grey players with 50 OPS. With Real Molotov focused on a historic Challenge campaign, Na Canela took over the lead with 30 points, won the head-to-head clash, and is on track for another CB appearance.
Their opponent in Round 16 is in a very different situation: Black Griffins sit in eighth place and are looking over their shoulder, worried about Millennials and Piratas do Clubismo, who are ninth and tenth respectively. Paulista and Descolado (still alive in the Copa do Brasil) don’t seem to have the strength to escape.
Millennials will also travel to face second-placed Molotov, while third-place Botafogo faces fourth (!) Amnésia. Are we going to hear some 'chororô'?
B2: The B2 title race is still one-on-one. Third place Geny is focused on the Copa do Brasil semifinals, and fourth place Candal seems content with drawing. The real fight is between São Paulo and current leader Campinas.
For Round 16, Campinas hosts Geny, while São Paulo has a theoretically easier matchup against Rosário, who’s gone through a rough patch and now sits just above the relegation zone. Nivek and Niterói are hoping Rosário slips so they can escape the Z-4 this round—the dino faces Sedentary Nomads, while Frefre visits Candal.
The most anticipated section of this newsletter is back with a D division "final." Check it out:
D29
: It’s time to crown one of the most iconic teams in Brazilian Dugout. After years and years in Série D, Turma do Mangga is close to returning to the third division. All they need is a draw or a win against Ajudante de Papai Noel, a C8 veteran, and Mangga will get another shot at Série C. Even in case of a loss, the team led by the DJ still holds a goal difference advantage of over 30. Just a formality?
Matchday 15 delivered another dose of chaos. Guadalajara, seemingly out of the conversation, came from behind to defeat the defending champions, while MEWA shed its victim label and overcame a Campos side that keeps drifting away.
The biggest blow was dealt to Panteras. After an early lead, it seemed they were on their way to repeating the first-leg thrashing. But an equalizer before halftime and an unexpected goal from Barquín in the second half gave the Tapatíos all three points, putting them back in the big conversation. To make matters worse, Panteras’ starting goalkeeper Ortega came off injured, and his availability for the upcoming crucial fixtures is in doubt.
In another clash between contenders, MEWA responded with character and edged Campos in a tight match. Campos had the equalizer at their feet near the end, but Rueda stepped up as the hero to preserve the win for the home side.
In the rest of the matches, there were no surprises. Octopus, Nueva Galicia, and Perro Loko did their job against inactive teams and remain strong at the top of the table.
Matchday 16
Everything’s on Fire at the Top
✅ Campos vs. Nueva Galicia
Nueva Galicia comes in with a lead that might be more illusion than reality, as unlike other contenders, they’ve barely faced any active opposition. Ahead lie five real rivals, any of whom could pop the bubble. It would only take one or two setbacks to knock them off the summit. Campos is the first of those, and they’re looking for someone to pay the price for recent frustrations. This could be a title-deciding clash.
✅ Panteras vs. MEWA
A duel between wounded teams. Panteras arrive with doubts and without their starting keeper. MEWA comes off a win, but the recent collapse against Torreón still lingers. A win here would significantly boost either side’s title hopes. Dropping points, on the other hand, could be fatal.
Perro Loko vs. Guadalajara
Guadalajara are riding high, motivated by their recent league victory over the reigning champs and their last-minute Cup elimination of the same opponent.
Octopus "sits out" this round, but watches closely. The octopus could wake up Sunday morning as the new title favorite, depending on how results unfold in the most critical matchday so far.
For the second round running, all of the top three teams in the USA top division were victorious to maintain the five point gap between the challengers. All three results were single-goal victories, and FC Seher Bosna were frustrated until deep into the second half when Leon Mock finally found a way past the Velez SC defences to give Braco Bosna's men the three points. New Jersey Stars had fourteen shots on target at home to Beyond who are barely clinging on to their active status, but only managed two goals and faced a nervy second half after Beyond responded in the first period. The Stars held on though, and their quest to add to their five league titles remains on track.
Galaxy LA are still very much in the title picture, but deserve their own paragraph for their defensive record this season. Since losing to New Jersey in Round 9, the Galaxy have not conceded a league goal for six games and over nine hours of football, which is an unbelievable record in Dugout-Online. They still only have five goals conceded all season in the league after their 1-0 triumph over TeamScout which keeps them level on points with FC Seher Bosna.
After showing some mid-season form, it's been a disastrous period for mexico city who have now lost four straight games and dropped back into the relegation zone after defeat by FC Orlando Gators. With an away trip to FC Seher Bosna on the horizon, there's every chance that losing run could extend to five. That result coupled with a vital 1-0 victory over Rabbid Badgers meant that SmarTeam clambered out of the relegation zone for the first time since Round 5. It's three wins in four games for both SmarTeam now, and their opponents in Round 16; SC Real Madrid. They prevailed in an absolute epic at NY Cosmos, surrendering their two goal lead with just twelve minutes to go before youngster Kameron Hamilton reinstated the Madrid lead in the 89th minute. The Cosmos are realistically out of the top 3 picture now, 8 points back from Galaxy LA who they face next.
Rabbid Badgers look in significant peril, six points from safety with seven to play, and the next of those is against the league leaders on Saturday. FC Orlando Gators play Beyond who will surely go inactive any day now, whilst 7th will host 6th when TeamScout come up against Velez SC.
