Introduction – Ceará vs. Fortaleza
The Clássico-Rei (King’s Classic) between Ceará SC and Fortaleza EC once again shook the Arena Castelão, this time for the 32nd round of the 2025 Brazilian Championship Série A. On a night of strong emotions and a packed stadium, the duel ended in a 1-1 draw, a result that resonated throughout the country due to its intensity and significance for both sides.
Fortaleza took the lead with a goal from Bareiro, but Ceará equalized in stoppage time through Pedro Raul, sending over 51,000 fans into euphoria. The result kept Vozão undefeated against their rival this year and prolonged the Tricolor’s crisis.
More than the score, the game symbolized the contrast between two clubs in different moments: Ceará, stable and confident; Fortaleza, pressured and inconsistent. The draw tasted like victory for one side and like frustration for the other.
The stands vibrated as if it were a final. Choreographed dances, huge banners, and the deafening roar of the fans showed that the Clássico-Rei (the derby match between Fortaleza and Ceará) remains one of the greatest spectacles in Brazilian football.
Pre-Game Context – Ambitions, History and Preparations
Ceará: stability, discipline, and fans as a key differentiator.
Ceará SC came into the match with 39 points, firmly in the middle of the table and aiming for a spot in the Copa Sudamericana. The coach maintained the game plan based on compactness, intensity, and exploiting aerial balls, an area that has yielded decisive goals.
Behind the scenes, the atmosphere was one of confidence. The management praised the tactical balance and mental strength of the squad. Physical and psychological work was a priority: the goal was to maintain the pace until the end.
The team showed maturity. Players like Richard, Messias, and Janderson stood out for their consistency and tactical awareness. The coach emphasized the importance of maintaining focus even under pressure from rival fans.
The atmosphere in the stands was decisive: the Castelão stadium turned into a cauldron. Ceará felt at home, with massive support from the fans who believed in another victory over their biggest rival.
Fortaleza: urgency, strain, and the need for a response.
For Fortaleza EC, the match was treated as a “preliminary final.” With 29 points and mired in the relegation zone, the Lion needed a win to rekindle its hopes of staying in the league.
The coach adjusted the team to play with a high defensive line, exploiting speed and diagonal runs. Players like Lucero, Calebe, and Bareiro were the main offensive threats.
Despite good tactical intentions, the psychological aspect weighed heavily. The last few rounds were marked by painful defeats and a drop in performance. The team was under pressure from the fans and the press.
Inside the locker room, the watchword was reaction. Beating their rival meant easing the crisis, restoring morale, and showing that Fortaleza still has the strength to fight until the end of the season.
First Half – Tricolor dominance and Alvinegro response
The game started evenly, with Fortaleza being more incisive and Ceará studying their opponent’s movements. Just 15 minutes in, Leão almost opened the scoring with a dangerous shot from Lucero.
The pressure from the Tricolor team turned into an advantage in the 36th minute. After a corner kick taken by Calebe, Bareiro rose highest and headed the ball into the right corner of Richard’s goal. The goal ignited the Castelão stadium and restored confidence to the team.
Ceará didn’t give up. The team started to work the ball better, looking for quick triangulations between Janderson and Pulgar. In the 42nd minute, they almost equalized with a header from Messias that hit the crossbar.
The first half ended with Fortaleza slightly dominating, showing organization and intensity, but Ceará also showed signs of a comeback. The atmosphere was tense: a draw seemed imminent.
Second Half – pressure, emotion, and a draw in stoppage time.
After the break, Ceará made substitutions and adjusted their positioning. The introduction of Bissoli and Pedro Raul changed the game. The team began to occupy the attacking half and cornered Fortaleza.
The Lion retreated, trying to protect its advantage. It relied on counter-attacks, but wasted good chances to extend its lead. With each missed opportunity, the pressure increased.
In the 44th minute of the second half, the final blow: Marcos Victor advanced down the right and delivered a perfect cross for Pedro Raul, who headed firmly to equalize. The cry of “It’s a goal!” filled the stadium.
In stoppage time, Ceará still had a chance to turn the game around, but João Ricardo made the save. The final whistle declared a 1-1 draw, a result that maintained the unbeaten streak and intensified the rivalry.
Statistics and trivia – Ceará vs. Fortaleza
Match summary
| Statistic | Ceará SC | Fortaleza EC |
|---|---|---|
| Final score | 1 | 1 |
| Goals | Pedro Raul (90+4′) | Bareiro (36′) |
| Total shots | 16 | 11 |
| Shots on target | 7 | 5 |
| Blocked shots | 4 | 2 |
| Ball possession | 57% | 43% |
| Corner kicks | 8 | 5 |
| Mistakes committed | 17 | 14 |
| Yellow cards | 4 | 3 |
| Impediments | 3 | 1 |
| Accurate passes | 420 (84%) | 355 (78%) |
| Great chances | 3 | 2 |
| Goalkeeper saves | 3 | 6 |
Audience and income
| Given | Value |
|---|---|
| Total audience | 51,120 |
| Gross income | R$ 1,438,982.00 |
| Capacity utilized | 94% |
| Average attendance in Ceará 2025 | 32,166 |
| Average attendance for Fortaleza 2025 | 23.104 |
| Largest crowd for the 2025 derby | 52,300 (April) |
| Total combined revenue 2025 | R$ 6.8 million |
Standings after the derby
| Team | Position | Points | Victories | Draws | Defeats | Goals For | Own Goals | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ceará SC | 13th | 39 | 10 | 9 | 12 | 36 | 38 | -2 |
| Fortaleza EC | 19th | 29 | 7 | 8 | 16 | 29 | 44 | -15 |
Individual performance (average grade)
| Player | Team | Sofascore rating | Emphasis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pedro Raul | Ceará | 8.2 | Decisive goal and offensive presence |
| Marcos Victor | Ceará | 7.8 | Assistance and intensity |
| Bareiro | Strength | 7.5 | Goal and constant movement |
| John Richard | Strength | 7.6 | Crucial defenses |
| Richard | Ceará | 7.3 | Safety in goal |
Individual highlights & responsibilities
Pedro Raul was the star of the game. He came on in the second half and changed the game with his presence in the box and his nose for goal.
Bareiro , even when isolated, was efficient. He showed good positioning and made good use of set pieces.
Marcos Victor was tireless on the right wing, marking and attacking with the same intensity.
João Ricardo , the Tricolor goalkeeper, saved the team from two dangerous shots and prevented the comeback.
In midfield, Richard Coelho and Pulgar were fundamental to the team’s tactical balance.
Impact of the result and post-game scenario
The draw keeps Ceará in a stable position and undefeated in the derby in 2025. The team reaches 39 points and aims for the top of the table.
For Fortaleza, the drama continues. The team remains in the relegation zone, five points away from the first team outside the zone.
In the stands, the atmosphere was one of contrast: black and white celebration, tricolor silence.
Tactically, the result reflects the balance between the teams, but also the ability of Ceará to react, which knew how to reinvent itself in the second half.
Conclusion – Ceará vs. Fortaleza: balance, emotion, and a vibrant rivalry.
The 2025 Clássico-Rei between Ceará SC and Fortaleza EC showed why this duel is one of the most intense and passionate in Brazilian football. The 1-1 draw was not just a result, but a demonstration of resilience, strategy, and emotion until the last minute.
Ceará, with its organized posture and ability to react under pressure, confirmed the team’s tactical evolution and the maturity of its squad. Pedro Raul, decisive, reinforced the offensive strength that Vozão regained in the final stretch of the season.
For Fortaleza, the result left a bitter taste. The team, managed by Juan Pablo Vojvoda, showed intensity in the first half, but suffered from a drop in physical condition and a lack of depth on the bench. The team needs to rediscover consistency and focus to escape relegation — a challenge that will require more than just performance, but also mentality and unity within the group.
From a technical standpoint, the derby was a true reflection of the regional balance. Ceará dominated possession and territorial control, while Fortaleza responded with speed and intensity on the flanks. The strategies canceled each other out at many points, and the game was decided by details — as always happens in high-tension derbies.
In the stands, the spectacle was worthy of a final. More than 51,000 fans transformed the Castelão stadium into a pulsating cauldron. The colors, the chants, and the energy captivated even those watching on TV. Northeastern Brazilian football once again demonstrated its strength, passion, and representativeness.
In the context of the 2025 Brazilian Championship, the draw reinforces Ceará as a stable team, ready to fight for a spot in the Copa Sudamericana, while Fortaleza remains on high alert in the fight against relegation. The result, however, does not diminish the magnitude of the rivalry—it only increases the anticipation for the rematch in 2026, when both promise new chapters in this century-old history.
Ultimately, the Clássico-Rei (King’s Classic) is not just about football. It’s about identity, belonging, and tradition. It’s the game that, for the state, unites families and awakens emotions that transcend the field. Each duel is a vivid reminder that the Northeast has a voice, talent, and a passion that moves multitudes.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions about Ceará vs Fortaleza 1-1
1. Who scored the goals?
Bareiro for Fortaleza (36′) and Pedro Raul for Ceará (90+4′).
2. How many people were at Castelão?
More than 51,000 fans , the second largest crowd for the derby in 2025.
3. What is the total income?
R$ 1,438,982.00.
4. Is Ceará still undefeated in the derby?
Yes, undefeated in all matches in 2025.
5. What was the standings after the game?
Ceará – 13th with 39 points. Fortaleza – 19th with 29 points.
6. Which player had the highest rating in the match?
Pedro Raul, with a rating of 8.2.
7. Can Fortaleza still avoid relegation?
Yes, but they need to win 4 of their remaining 6 games.
8. What was the largest attendance for the Clássico-Rei in 2025?
52,300 fans in April.
9. How many matches have Ceará vs. Fortaleza played?
More than 600 in history.
10. When will the next derby be?
Scheduled for the start of the 2026 season, at Arena Castelão.
