Ceará Sporting Club clinched the Cearense championship on Saturday, March 22, 2025, drawing 1-1 against their rivals Fortaleza Esporte Clube at the Estádio Castelão. This result gives Ceará a 2-1 aggregate score over the two-legged final, marking their 47th state title and solidifying their status as the leading champions in the state of Ceará, surpassing Fortaleza, who have 46 titles.
The match began with both teams playing cautiously, leading to a tense atmosphere in a packed stadium. The first half saw minimal chances, with Fortaleza attempting to reverse their fortunes from the first leg, where they lost 1-0. Neither team could establish a strong foothold, largely due to defensive efforts that kept opportunities scarce.
Significant drama unfolded in the first half when the referee, Raphael Rodrigo Klein, notably changed a red card issued to Ceará's Matheus Bahia to yellow after VAR intervention, highlighting the tightly contested nature of the match.
As the second half commenced, the momentum shifted dramatically just five minutes in when Gastón Ávila of Fortaleza received his marching orders for a harsh tackle. But even with ten men, Fortaleza took the lead in the match shortly thereafter. At the 13-minute mark, Lucas Sasha scored, initially ruled out for offside before the goal was validated by VAR, lifting the spirits of the visiting fans.
Despite the setback, Ceará maintained composure and continued pressing for an equalizer. Their efforts paid off when Pedro Raul, who had joined the club in early March and quickly made a name for himself, scored with a powerful header in the 26th minute, drawing the score level at 1-1. This critical goal underscored his value to the team, as he notched his fifth goal in just six appearances.
Pedro Raul expressed his elation after the match, stating, "It is special (to score the title's goal). When I arrived, I talked about being a champion, about seeking this title, and we made it. Let's go for more. It's an indescribable feeling." His contributions were pivotal, especially in crucial moments, solidifying his reputation among Ceará fans.
The closing stages saw an aggressive push from Ceará as they sought the winning goal, testing Fortaleza’s defense. With the match finishing in a tie, Ceará's initial win in the first leg solidified their championship status, and fans erupted in celebration.
Ceará’s remarkable season saw them finish with an undefeated record, including seven wins and one draw. This triumph not only adds another title to their accolades but also signifies a dominant era for the club in recent Cearense competitions. Having now reclaimed their title, their focus shifts to the Copa do Nordeste, where they will face Bahia on March 26, 2025.
Fortaleza, nursing the wounds of a hard-fought battle, will also prepare for their upcoming match against CRB on the same day, hoping to bounce back quickly after this disappointing conclusion to their state campaign.
As both teams move forward in their respective competitions, the rivalry remains strong, with the recent final highlighting the passion and dedication of both clubs and their supporters. Pedro Raul’s decisive contribution in the final will long be remembered, celebrating not just personal achievement but a shared victory for Ceará as they continue their legacy in Cearense football.
