Northeastern Teams in the Copa do Brasil 2025: Analysis
The Copa do Brasil 2025, officially named the Copa Betano do Brasil, is the 37th edition of Brazil’s most democratic football tournament, bringing together 92 clubs from all 26 states and the Federal District. Launched on February 18, 2025, the competition has been marked by the strong presence of Northeastern teams, with four clubs—Bahia, CRB, CSA, and Retrô-PE—reaching the round of 16. This analysis explores the performance, challenges, and stories of Northeastern clubs in the Copa do Brasil 2025, focusing on the third round (May 21–22) and their historical impact. From epic clashes to memorable upsets, the Northeast continues to showcase its strength in the knockout stage. Follow the matches in our complete Copa do Brasil 2025 schedule.
The Northeast in the Copa do Brasil: A Story of Passion and Resilience
The Northeast, encompassing nine states, has always played a pivotal role in the Copa do Brasil, known for its inclusion of clubs from all divisions. In 2025, the region is represented by 26 teams, with Bahia, Ceará, and Alagoas each contributing four clubs due to their federation rankings. A new rule introducing penalty shootouts in the first round, eliminating the tie advantage for higher-ranked teams, has further democratized the tournament, benefiting underdogs like Retrô-PE. The record-breaking prize money of R$101 million for the champion and a spot in the 2026 Copa Libertadores have heightened competitiveness, particularly for Northeastern clubs seeking visibility and financial resources.
Performance of Northeastern Teams in the Third Round (May 2025)
The third round of the Copa do Brasil 2025 was a milestone for the Northeast, with Bahia, CRB, CSA, and Retrô-PE advancing to the round of 16, a historic achievement highlighted in posts on X. Below, we analyze the key matchups and standout performances from the region, based on results from May 22, 2025:
Bahia: Consistency and Elite Ambition
Bahia, one of the Northeast’s powerhouses, solidified its strength with a 4–0 thrashing of Paysandu-PA in the third round, securing qualification with a 5–0 aggregate score. The Tricolor, entering directly in the third round due to their 2025 Libertadores participation, showcased a reinforced squad, with standout performances from midfielder Everton Ribeiro and forward Gabriel Teixeira. The fans packed the Fonte Nova, and the match was one of the most-watched of the round, according to ge.globo.com. Bahia, reaching the round of 16 for the fifth consecutive edition, is a title contender, bolstered by an initial prize of R$1,543,500 and the ambition to emulate Sport’s 2008 triumph, the only Northeastern championship.
CRB: Alagoas’ Historic Underdog
CRB made history by eliminating Santos, a Southeastern giant, with a 1–1 draw away and a 5–4 penalty shootout victory in Maceió. As runners-up of the 2024 Copa do Nordeste, the Galo entered directly in the third round, and their campaign reflects Alagoas’ growing strength, marking the first time both CRB and CSA reached the round of 16 together. Forward Anselmo Ramon was decisive, scoring in the first leg, while defender Saimon anchored the backline against Santos’ pressure. The R$4,145,250 earned up to the third round boosts the club, which aims to surpass its best-ever performance (quarterfinals in 1994).
CSA: The Shock That Toppled Grêmio
CSA delivered one of 2025’s biggest upsets by eliminating Grêmio in the third round, with a 2–1 win in Porto Alegre and a draw in Maceió. The Azulão, competing in Série C, displayed tactical discipline under coach Waguinho Dias, with goals from Lucas Silva and Vitor Leque. The Alagoan fans, known as “As Azulinas,” filled the Rei Pelé, creating an intimidating atmosphere. The qualification earned R$4,145,250, a vital financial boost for the club, which now dreams of a historic campaign in the round of 16.
Retrô-PE: Pernambuco’s Underdog
Retrô-PE, from Camaragibe, Pernambuco, stunned by holding Fortaleza-CE to a 1–1 draw and winning on penalties in the third round (May 22). As the 26th unique Northeastern club to reach the round of 16, Retrô, a Série C team, embodies the democratic spirit of the Copa do Brasil. Goalkeeper Paulo Vitor shone in the shootout, while midfielder Jean Carlos scored the crucial goal. The caravan of fans traveling 700 km to Fortaleza symbolized the supporters’ passion, as highlighted by ge.globo.com. The R$3,638,250 prize strengthens the club, which aims for an unprecedented achievement.
Other Northeastern Teams: Fortaleza, Ceará, and Maracanã
Despite the success of Bahia, CRB, CSA, and Retrô, other Northeastern teams faced challenges. Fortaleza, also in the 2025 Libertadores, was unexpectedly eliminated by Retrô-PE on penalties, a surprising result for the current Copa do Nordeste champion. Ceará fell to Palmeiras 3–0, while Maracanã-CE lost 3–0 to Internacional on aggregate. These outcomes highlight the difficulty of balancing multiple competitions, such as Série A and the Copa do Nordeste, which began on January 22.
Table of Third-Round Results (Northeastern Teams)
| Match | Date | Time | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fortaleza-CE vs. Retrô-PE | 05/22/2025 | 7:00 PM | 1–1 (Retrô advances on penalties) |
| Bahia-BA vs. Paysandu-PA | 05/22/2025 | 7:30 PM | 4–0 (Bahia advances) |
| Palmeiras-SP vs. Ceará-CE | 05/22/2025 | 8:00 PM | 3–0 (Palmeiras advances) |
| CSA-AL vs. Grêmio-RS | 05/21–22/2025 | 7:00 PM | 2–1, 1–1 (CSA advances) |
| Santos-SP vs. CRB-AL | 05/21–22/2025 | 7:30 PM | 1–1, 0–0 (CRB advances on penalties) |
Source: CBF data up to May 22, 2025, ge.globo.com.
Why the Northeast Shines in the Copa do Brasil
The success of Northeastern teams in 2025 stems from a combination of passionate fanbases, growing investment, and the tournament’s inclusive format. According to anthropologist Arlei Damo, club loyalty in the Northeast is an extension of local culture, with stadiums like Fonte Nova and Rei Pelé serving as communal hubs. The presence of five Northeastern clubs in Série A 2025 (Bahia, Vitória, Sport, Fortaleza, Ceará) elevates technical quality, as noted by the CBF. Additionally, the Copa do Nordeste, starting in January, acts as a preparatory platform, despite scheduling conflicts with the Libertadores and Club World Cup.
Key Factors Behind Northeastern Success
- Tournament Democratization: The new first-round penalty shootout rule favors smaller clubs like Retrô-PE and CSA, who eliminated giants.
- Passionate Fans: Fan mobilization, such as Retrô’s caravan and CSA’s Azulinas, creates hostile environments for opponents.
- Investments: Clubs like Bahia and CRB have used prize money ranging from R$1.83 million to R$4,145,250 to bolster squads, with players like Gabriel Teixeira and Anselmo Ramon shining.
- Legacy of Upsets: The legacy of triumphs like Sport’s 2008 title inspires clubs to aim high, as seen with CSA and CRB.
Challenges for Northeastern Teams
Despite their success, Northeastern teams face hurdles. A packed schedule, with the Copa do Nordeste (January to September) and state championships, strains squads, particularly for clubs like Fortaleza and Bahia competing in the Libertadores. Financial disparities also pose challenges: while Bahia boasts a robust budget, clubs like Retrô rely heavily on prize money to survive. Additionally, the lack of a direct third-round berth in the 2026 Copa do Brasil for the Copa do Nordeste champion reduces financial incentives, as noted by ge.globo.com.
The Northeast’s History in the Copa do Brasil
The Northeast has a storied history in the Copa do Brasil. Sport Recife’s 2008 victory over Corinthians in the final was a landmark for the region, marking the first Northeastern title. Other notable achievements include América-RN’s historic 2014 comeback against Fluminense (5–2) and Fortaleza’s semifinal run in 2023. In 2025, the region achieved its fourth-best performance in 37 years, with four clubs in the round of 16, underscoring its growing prominence in Brazilian football.
What to Expect in the Round of 16?
The round of 16, scheduled for July 29–31 and August 5–7, will be crucial for Bahia, CRB, CSA, and Retrô. The draw, set for June 2, 2025, at CBF headquarters, could pit Northeastern teams against giants like Flamengo, Palmeiras, or Corinthians. Bahia, with its consistency, is the region’s favorite, but CRB and CSA have upset potential, while Retrô aims to cement its underdog status. Follow the matchups in our round of 16 schedule.
How to Follow the Copa do Brasil 2025
To catch every moment of the Northeastern teams:
- Visit the official CBF website for results.
- Watch matches on Globo, SporTV, or Premiere.
- Check our Copa do Brasil 2025 schedule.
- Read about underdogs in Underdogs of the Copa do Brasil 2025.
Join the Fanbase!
The Northeastern teams in the Copa do Brasil 2025 are writing a new chapter in Brazilian football history. From Bahia to Retrô, the region proves that passion and talent can overcome any obstacle. Bookmark this page to follow the round of 16, share on social media, and leave your predictions in the comments: who will be the Northeast’s biggest surprise in 2025? Embrace the thrill of the knockout stage!
