Ceará fought fiercely to claim the title of Campeonato Cearense, managing a 1-1 draw against their arch-rivals, Fortaleza, in a match characterized by high tension and crucial moments on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at the legendary Castelão Stadium. With the victory secured in the first leg thanks to a solitary goal, Ceará's overall performance marked their 47th state championship, allowing them to reclaim their status as the most successful team in Ceará's football history, surpassing Fortaleza.
The match unfolded dramatically, with both teams fighting hard for control from the onset. However, the first half ended without any goals, as both defenses held firm against limited attacking threats. The main incident in this half occurred when Ceará's Matheus Bahia was initially sent off after a contentious challenge on Yago Pikachu. Yet, after VAR intervention, the referee reevaluated the situation, changing the red card to a yellow—a relief for the fans clad in black and white.
As the second half kicked off, a critical turning point emerged early: Gastón Ávila from Fortaleza was shown a straight red card after just five minutes for a rough challenge on Ceará's Fernando Sobral. Despite the setback, it was Fortaleza's Lucas Sasha who broke the deadlock, finding the net at the 13-minute mark of the second half. His goal came after a corner kick, where Tinga's header set him up perfectly to slot the ball home, sending the red and blue fans into a frenzy.
Yet, the lead was short-lived. Just 13 minutes later, Ceará’s Pedro Raul leveled the score with a precise header following a well-placed cross from Fabiano Souza. Raul’s goal was a significant one, not only tying the match at 1-1 but ensuring that Ceará secured the aggregate victory with a total score of 2-1 in the finals.
Pedro Raul's goal represented his fifth in six appearances, further establishing him as a vital component of the team. With the match unfolding intensely, Ceará's confidence surged following the equalizer. With a numerical advantage and the aggregate lead, they were better positioned to control the flow of the game.
Ceará's invincible run in the tournament was noteworthy, as they completed the state championship in familiar fashion by not losing a single match throughout, echoing their prior season's performance in 2024 when they also finished unbeaten with eight victories and a draw. With this title, the team not only added another trophy to their collection but also left a permanent mark on the storied rivalry, now leading 47 titles to Fortaleza's 46.
In the aftermath, Ceará's coach, Léo Condé, celebrated the victory, citing the unity and determination shown by his players. According to reports, “Ceará conquered its 47th state trophy, surpassing Fortaleza as the state’s all-time champion.”
Looking forward, both teams must swiftly shift gears, redirecting their focus to the Copa do Nordeste, with upcoming matches scheduled within the week. Ceará will face Bahia while Fortaleza prepares to meet CRB, both challenges crucial as they look to maintain momentum ahead of the Brazilian Série A season’s start next weekend.
As they move into a new phase, the fervor of the rivalry remains palpable, with fans eagerly awaiting the next encounter, where the stakes may yet again escalate. The passion, pride, and relentless pursuit of glory continue to define the beautiful game in Ceará.
