Criciúma Women 3-1 AJAP W: Hosts Power to Convincing Paulista Women's League Win

Criciúma Women produced a dominant attacking performance to beat AJAP W 3-1 in the Brazilian Paulista Women's League on Saturday, September 12, 2026. Three first-half goals set the hosts on course for a victory that was built on high pressing, quick passing, and clinical finishing.

Playing at the Estádio Heriberto Hülse, Criciúma Women controlled large stretches of the match and rarely looked in danger after taking an early lead. AJAP W improved after the break and pulled a goal back, but the deficit proved too large to overcome.

Match Overview

Criciúma Women started aggressively, winning the ball high up the pitch and forcing AJAP W into rushed clearances. The pressure told in the 18th minute when Fernanda opened the scoring with a precise strike from the edge of the area. The home side doubled their advantage in the 41st minute through Rafaela, who finished off a flowing team move down the left.

AJAP W tried to settle into the game, but Criciúma’s midfield kept winning the second balls. Just before the interval, Jéssica made it 3-0 with a well-placed shot after a short corner. The visitors regrouped at half-time and showed more attacking intent in the second half, but the game was already effectively decided.

Key Moments

• 18' — Criciúma Women 1-0: Fernanda found space at the edge of the box and curled a low effort into the corner.
• 41' — Criciúma Women 2-0: Rafaela finished a sweeping move after a clever overlap on the left flank.
• 45+2' — Criciúma Women 3-0: Jéssica capitalised on a short-corner routine and fired home from 12 yards.
• 75' — AJAP W 3-1: Patrícia pulled one back with a determined run and a neat finish past the goalkeeper.

Tactical Breakdown

Criciúma Women set up in a fluid 4-3-3 and used their wide players to stretch AJAP’s back line. The midfield trio pressed relentlessly, forcing turnovers and allowing the front three to attack before the defence could reorganise. It was a textbook example of turning possession into penetration.

AJAP W struggled to cope with the intensity early on, often dropping too deep and inviting pressure. After the break, they switched to a more compact 4-4-2 and looked more stable. Patrícia’s goal gave them a deserved consolation, but they were unable to build enough sustained pressure to threaten a comeback.

Standout Performers

Fernanda was at the heart of Criciúma’s best attacking moves, linking play and scoring the opener. Rafaela’s movement caused constant problems, while Jéssica controlled the tempo in midfield. For AJAP W, Patrícia was the standout, taking her goal well and never stopping her running even when the game was slipping away.

What the Win Means

The three points lift Criciúma Women in the Paulista Women's League standings and underline their credentials as a side capable of competing near the top. AJAP W will take some encouragement from their second-half response, but they will need to start matches more aggressively if they are to climb the table. Criciúma’s goal difference also received a boost, which could prove valuable as the season progresses.