Game Information

14/07/2025 – Kick Off (00:30 GMT)

The match here is known as the Clássico-Rei, as Fortaleza meet Ceará in the latest edition of this fierce rivalry. The two northeastern clubs share a long-standing history, and this fixture always delivers intrigue and intensity.

Fortaleza
Fortaleza come into this Clássico in desperate need of improvement. During the break, there were serious questions over whether Juan Pablo Vojvoda would remain in charge of the Northeastern club, but the decision was made for him to continue. Now, what needs to change is the team’s form on the pitch.

They currently sit in the relegation zone with just two wins, four draws, and six defeats from their 12 league matches. In all competitions, they’ve now lost seven straight games, a worrying run that has left them in freefall. Their last outing in the league saw them fall to a 3-2 home defeat against Santos. Then, in midweek, they were eliminated from the Copa do Nordeste following a 2-1 loss to Bahia.

They’ll be desperate to end their dire run of form, and a derby win here would be the perfect way to get things back on track.

Ceará
It’s been a mixed bag for Ceará on their return to the Brasileirão. From their 11 matches, they have picked up four wins, three draws, and four defeats. They currently sit in 12th place on 15 points and will be looking to push on.

What they’ll be hoping to do now is bounce back from the two straight defeats they suffered just before the break. Since then, though, things have picked up. Their last league outing was a narrow 3-2 defeat to Botafogo, but they responded well in cup action. First, they enjoyed a 2-1 win over Sampaio Corrêa in the Copa do Nordeste. Then, in midweek, they progressed again after a tense 1-0 penalty shootout win over Sport Recife.

Their hunt for Nordeste silverware continues, and they’ll be looking to carry the confidence from that midweek win into this fierce derby clash against their bitter rivals. A strong performance here would send a message and could derail Fortaleza’s hopes of recovery in the process.

Prediction – Fortaleza 1-1 Ceará