In a tense showdown at the Arena Castelão on Sunday, April 13, 2025, Fortaleza and Internacional battled to a 0-0 draw in the third round of the Campeonato Brasileiro. Both teams entered the match with aspirations of climbing the league table, but they ultimately settled for a stalemate that showcased strong defensive performances and a few missed opportunities.
The match was marked by a disallowed goal from Fortaleza's Moisés, who scored a spectacular volley in the second half. However, the joy was short-lived as the goal was ruled out after a VAR review confirmed an offside position in the build-up to the strike. The incident not only denied Moisés a moment of glory but also resulted in an injury during the celebration, forcing him to leave the pitch.
Despite the lack of goals, the match was significant for Internacional, as it extended their unbeaten streak to 17 games under coach Roger Machado—setting a new record for the team. The draw left Internacional in sixth place in the standings with five points after three matches, while Fortaleza, just behind in seventh, also accumulated five points.
The first half of the encounter was relatively uneventful, with both teams struggling to create clear-cut chances. Fortaleza's Calebe and Mancuso tested the waters with attempts that went off target, while Internacional's best opportunity came from a shot by Borré that narrowly missed the goal. The first half lasted 48 minutes, and neither goalkeeper was seriously challenged during this period.
As the second half unfolded, Fortaleza seemed to gain the upper hand, and the disallowed goal from Moisés sparked a brief surge in momentum. However, the match continued to be characterized by a lack of clinical finishing on both sides. Internacional's coach Roger Machado made several substitutions, bringing in Diego Rosa and Bruno Tabata to inject fresh energy into the team.
In the 21st minute of the second half, Internacional appealed for a penalty when David Luiz clashed with Rogel, but the referee waved play on. The match continued to see both teams exchanging possession, but neither could capitalize on their opportunities. The closest Internacional came to scoring was a free-kick from Tabata that was expertly saved by João Ricardo, the Fortaleza goalkeeper, in the 33rd minute.
Throughout the match, the atmosphere in the stadium was palpable, with an attendance of 16,587 fans witnessing the action. The revenue from the match was recorded at R$ 169,233.00, reflecting the high stakes and competitive nature of the encounter. As the final whistle blew, both teams were left to ponder what could have been, with the draw leaving them both in a tie on points but separated by goal difference.
Looking ahead, Internacional will face Palmeiras at home on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at 7:30 PM, a match that promises to be crucial in their quest for a higher position in the league. Following that, they will engage in a highly anticipated Gre-Nal clash against Grêmio on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at the Arena.
Fortaleza, on the other hand, will travel to face Vitória away on Tuesday, April 16, 2025, at 9:30 PM (Brasília time), before returning home to take on Palmeiras on April 20, 2025. The team will also be looking to bounce back in their upcoming matches, particularly after the disappointment of the draw against Internacional.
This matchup was a reminder of the competitive nature of the Campeonato Brasileiro, where every point is vital as teams jostle for position early in the season. With both teams showing promise and resilience, fans can expect more thrilling encounters as the league progresses.
