As the sun sets on the vibrant city of Fortaleza, the atmosphere is electric at the Arena Castelão where Fortaleza and Internacional are set to clash in the third round of the Brasileirão on Sunday, April 13, 2025, at 20h (Brasília time). The stakes are high as both teams are eager to solidify their positions in the top tier of the league.
Fortaleza, known as the Tricolor de Aço, is looking to bounce back after a disappointing series of results. Their last outing ended in a 1-1 draw against Mirassol on April 6, 2025, and they faced a chaotic match against Colo-Colo in Chile that was halted due to fan disturbances. Coach Juan Pablo Vojvoda's squad is currently sitting in fourth place with four points, tied with Internacional but trailing on yellow cards.
In stark contrast, Internacional enters this matchup riding a wave of confidence, remaining unbeaten in 2025 with an impressive record of 11 wins and five draws over 16 matches. Their recent form includes a commanding 3-0 victory over Atlético Nacional in the Libertadores, which has only added to their momentum. The team is currently leading the Série A standings, also with four points but edging ahead on disciplinary records.
The historical rivalry between these two teams adds another layer of excitement to the match. In their previous 26 encounters, Fortaleza has secured nine victories, while Internacional has triumphed in 12, with five matches ending in a draw. Notably, when playing at the Arena Castelão, Fortaleza has the upper hand with eight wins out of 13 matches, alongside four draws and three losses.
Fortaleza's recent form has been less than stellar, with two games without a win following their Libertadores debut loss to Racing, where they fell 3-0. Vojvoda's squad is grappling with injuries, as four players—Brítez, Breno Lopes, Tinga, and Pochettino—are sidelined, which could impact their game plan. However, the recent acquisition of Rodrigo, who is now available for selection, provides a glimmer of hope for the Tricolor.
On the other side, Internacional's coach Roger Machado is expected to make some tactical adjustments for this encounter. With a congested schedule that includes a match against Palmeiras shortly after, Machado hinted at the possibility of rotating players to manage fatigue. The team has also been dealing with injuries, with key players like Lucca and Rochet unavailable, which may lead to a mix of starters and reserves taking the field.
As the teams prepare for kickoff, the probable lineups have been announced. Fortaleza is set to field João Ricardo in goal, supported by a defensive line of Eros Mancuso, Kuscevic, Titi, and Bruno Pacheco. The midfield will feature Martínez, Lucas Sasha, and Pol Fernández, while the attacking trio will include Marinho, Moisés, and Lucero. Vojvoda's strategy appears to lean towards a 4-4-3 formation, focusing on solidifying their midfield and exploiting counter-attacks.
Internacional, meanwhile, is likely to start with Anthoni as their goalkeeper, backed by Aguirre, Clayton Sampaio, Vitão, and Bernabei in defense. The midfield will consist of Ronaldo, Bruno Henrique, and Óscar Romero, while the forward line will see Wesley, Vitinho, and Borré aiming to penetrate Fortaleza's defense. Machado's approach will be crucial as he balances the need for fresh legs against the desire to maintain their unbeaten streak.
The match is set to be broadcast live on multiple platforms, including Premiere, CazéTV, and Record, allowing fans to witness the action unfold in real-time. As both teams look to assert their dominance early in the season, the stage is set for an exhilarating showdown that promises to keep fans on the edge of their seats.
The referee for the match will be Flavio Rodrigues de Souza, with assistants Fabrini Bevilaqua Costa and Raphael de Albuquerque Lima. The fourth official is Tarcisio Flores da Silva, and the VAR will be handled by Diego Pombo Lopez.
As the countdown to kickoff continues, the excitement builds. Will Fortaleza find their footing and reclaim their home advantage, or will Internacional extend their unbeaten run and solidify their position at the top of the table? Fans are in for a thrilling encounter as the teams take to the pitch, ready to battle for crucial points in this early stage of the Brasileirão.
