How to win the 6 challenges

Challenges are short scenarios with a goal and a deadline. They all start from the same point in the Official World, so you can compare results. Getting fired or changing clubs ends the challenge. After the result, the game carries on as a normal career if you want, and each win goes into the Hall of Fame.

The great escape

Goal: avoid relegation from Série A, taking over a club in the relegation zone with 10 rounds left and the window closed.

With the window closed, only free agents can arrive, so almost everything depends on tactics and the lineup. Check who is tired or out of position. Play live: substitutions and changes of approach in the second half can earn points. At home, against others fighting to stay up, be more attacking. Away to the big clubs, a draw already helps a lot.

Cup underdog

Goal: take a Série C club to the round of 16 of the National Cup.

As the best club in Série C, you go straight into the 2nd round, and two wins take you to the round of 16. These are single-leg ties and the lower-division club hosts, so you play at home against bigger clubs. Prioritise the cup: arrive rested, with starters saved in the previous league round. Against stronger teams, counter-attack. In a single-leg tie, a draw goes straight to penalties.

Sleeping giant

Goal: go up as Série B champions with the division's biggest club, almost out of cash.

The squad is the best in the division, but there's hardly any budget. Missing the title by a small margin is costly, so treat every round as a final. Use free agents and loans to fill weak positions, and keep the team rested.

In the red

Goal: end the season with a positive balance and without going down, at an indebted club barred from signing players.

Waiting won't solve this. Without selling anyone, the books don't balance. List your highest earners for sale in the first window and accept good offers. In our simulations, this route often worked, while standing still never did. Just take care not to dismantle the team: relegation is also a defeat. Sell those who cost more than they deliver and keep a solid defence.

Continental dream

Goal: get past the Continental Cup group stage with the lowest-reputation club in the competition.

Two places out of four go through. Your real targets are the home matches and the opponent closest to your level. Away to the favourites, use a low block and counter-attack. Strengthen the team in the first window, because the group stage starts as early as March.

From the basement to Série B

Goal: reach Série B within 4 seasons, with the smallest club in Série D.

That's two promotions in four years, so you have some room for error. Nothing happens by itself: a passive manager won't get there. Use free agents and loans at first, invest when there's money left, and don't pay high wages to anyone who won't be useful in the division above. The guide on climbing from Série D covers the route.