Criciúma vs Vitória Prediction: This game is like a final

Criciúma and Vitória will meet at the Heriberto Hülse in a decisive game in the relegation battle. Both teams are out of the Z4 but still in a dangerous situation. Criciúma is in 16th place with 37 points, the same score as Juventude, which is in a relegation position. Vitória, on the other hand, isn't doing much better, as despite being in 13th place, it has 38 points, just one above the red line.

The Tiger hasn't won in four games and is not currently in the relegation zone, thanks to a better goal difference than Juventude. In the last round, Criciúma lost 2-1 to Cruzeiro on the road but was close to equalizing. The home team was leading 2-0, and all seemed lost for Criciúma. However, Allano scored in the 82nd minute, and from then on, the Catarinenses tried everything to equalize the score. With a little more composure, Criciúma could have brought home a point. This match with Vitória is crucial for the team's future. A draw might be enough to stay above the Z4, but it will increase the players' anxiety, so only victory matters.

The Lion lost 2-1 against Corinthians and broke a run of three consecutive wins. Vitória failed to beat a direct opponent at home, and only the superb momentum of Corinthians can justify the outcome and mitigate its impact. The Baianos are only one point above the relegation zone, so to get a good result against Criciúma is imperative. Losing two straight games with only five rounds left to play could be fatal. 

Criciúma and Vitória have similar strengths, so an even match is on the cards. Criciúma might have a better chance of winning as it plays at home, but it's also worth considering that it hasn't won a game in four rounds. It's a decisive match for both sides, but Vitória will still have to face Botafogo, Fortaleza, and Flamengo, so it would be worrying for the Baianos to lose this match. I'm betting on a draw in a likely tight game.