Match Report: Doce Mel EC Women 3–1 Paysandu Women | Brazil Women's L2 | 21 May 2026

Doce Mel EC Women powered past Paysandu Women with an emphatic 3–1 victory in Brazil Women's L2 action on Wednesday night. The visitors struck first through a first‑half equaliser, but Doce Mel dominated after the interval to claim all three points and climb into the promotion picture.

Match Overview

Played at a neutral venue due to ongoing ground improvements at Doce Mel's home stadium, the match began at a frantic pace. Paysandu Women stunned the favorites in the 12th minute when forward Mariana Costa latched onto a through ball and smashed a finish past goalkeeper Laura Santos. The early goal silenced the sizeable Doce Mel contingent.

Second-Half Transformation

Doce Mel regrouped during the break, and the change was immediate. Midfielder Julia Rocha equalised just four minutes into the second half, curling a free kick over the wall and into the top corner. The momentum swung decisively. In the 68th minute, winger Ana Beatriz cut inside from the left and fired a low drive into the far corner to put Doce Mel ahead.

The hosts sealed the win in the 81st minute. A quick corner routine caught Paysandu off guard, and substitute Camila Ferreira volleyed home from close range. Paysandu pushed for a second goal but were unable to breach a resolute backline.

Tactical Story

Paysandu's early pressing game worked superbly in the first half, but Doce Mel's superior fitness and technical quality told as the match wore on. The introduction of Ferreira and the shift to a more direct attacking approach overwhelmed Paysandu's midfield. Doce Mel finished with 58% possession and 14 shots to the visitors' six.

Standings Impact

Doce Mel EC Women rise to third in the Brazil Women's L2 standings, now level on points with the automatic promotion places. Paysandu Women slip to eighth, still within touching distance of the top half but needing to turn promising performances into points.

Player of the Match

Julia Rocha (Doce Mel EC Women) – The midfield engine who scored the crucial equaliser and dictated play with her passing range and set‑piece delivery.

Doce Mel will aim to continue their surge when they host bottom‑side Ceara Women next week, while Paysandu welcome a struggling opponent in a must‑win fixture.