In a thrilling conclusion to the Campeonato Cearense 2025, Ceará triumphed over rival Fortaleza, securing their 47th state title after a dramatic second leg that ended in a 1-1 draw on March 22, 2025. The aggregate score of 2-1 marked yet another achievement for the Vozão, affirming their status as the dominant force in Ceará football.
The match took place at the Arena Castelão, a fitting venue for such a significant decider, and saw both teams entering with immense pressure. Ceará had a slender advantage from the first leg, winning 1-0 thanks to a penalty scored by the ever-reliable Fernando Sobral. This time, they needed only a draw to retain their crown, while Fortaleza sought to turn the tables after their defeat in the previous match.
Kickoff was at 16:30 Brasília time, with a majority of fans filling the stands in favor of the home side, Ceará. As the game progressed, early exchanges were marked by intense defensive play, with both teams struggling to make opportunities count. Matheus Bahia of Ceará created a moment of controversy in the first half when he was issued a direct red card, only for VAR to intervene and downgrade it to a yellow.
Fortaleza was not down for long, however, and managed to break the deadlock in the 15th minute with a goal from Lucas Sasha, who scored after a purposeful buildup that led to a set-piece. The joy for Fortaleza was tempered by the fact that they were at a numerical disadvantage after Gastón Ávila was sent off just five minutes into the second half for a foul on Fernando Sobral.
Despite being a man down, Fortaleza moved swiftly on the attack, keen to leverage their advantage from their earlier score. However, the turning point came when Ceará equalized in the 27th minute of the second half; Pedro Raul, a standout performer throughout the tournament, headed the ball into the net with precision, leveling the score and ensuring the aggregate advantage returned to the Vozão.
Following the goal, the pressure mounted as Fortaleza pushed for a late reply. Yet, they could not capitalize on their chances, and the seconds ticked away with Ceará managing the game expertly. With a final score of 1-1 in the second leg and a 2-1 aggregate victory, Ceará marked their second consecutive championship win.
The stakes were high not just for glory, but for significant financial rewards as well. The Federação Cearense de Futebol awarded R$ 350 thousand to the champions, while the runners-up received R$ 150 thousand. In total, Ceará's victory netted them approximately R$ 1.85 million, thanks to a share from television rights as well.
Ceará's triumph underscores their impressive form, as they completed the championship undefeated over the course of the final rounds. In addition, Pedro Raul's presence was pivotal as he finished with five goals in six matches, demonstrating his vital role in the team's success.
The match's significance extended beyond just the numbers; the rivalry reached new heights as Ceará has now temporarily taken the lead in total state titles, boasting 47 to Fortaleza's 46. This status as the greatest team in the state invigorates the Ceará faithful, who packed the Arena Castelão, making the atmosphere electric throughout the clash.
Coach Léo Condé's strategies met with success, as he fielded a team that reflected both tactical discipline and skill, asserting their dominance against a Fortaleza side that struggled to find their rhythm. With the next stage of competitions already on the horizon, both teams will look to build on this season's performances as they head into the Copa do Nordeste and Série A of the Brasileirão.
As the players exited the field, the cheers for Ceará resounded in stark contrast to the sentiments around Fortaleza, who faced an uphill battle to regain their form in upcoming tournaments. However, they do have the talent and resilience to bounce back, hoping for redemption soon.
This championship final illustrated not only the competitive spirit of Cearense football but also the intense passion that surrounds it, making these encounters unforgettable for supporters across Brazil.
