Vitória are five-time Copa do Nordeste champions | OneFootball

Vitória, another Copa do Nordeste titleCredits: Jonny Pinho - Staff Images / CBF

Vitória won its fifth Copa do Nordeste title this Saturday (6) by beating Fortaleza 2-1 at Barradão. In the previous match, in midweek, it had already defeated the Ceará side by the same score at Castelão. Vitória has now drawn level with its rival Bahia as the club with the most Copa do Nordeste titles.

The trophy lifted by Vitória’s players, amid great celebration on the pitch and in the stands at Barradão, was the result of a consistent campaign. In 10 matches, Vitória won eight, drew one and lost one.

The achievement this Saturday afternoon ended the club’s 16-year drought in the Copa do Nordeste. Vitória had previously been champions in 1997, 1999, 2003 and 2010.

At Barradão, the home side, backed by massive support from its fans, had the advantage of playing for a draw, but did not sit back. It played with seriousness and focus and came up against a combative opponent, determined to make up for the defeat at Castelão and at least take the decision to penalties.

Vitória came from behind to beat Fortaleza at BarradãoCredits: Jonny Pinho - Staff Images / CBF

Fortaleza applied strong marking and neutralized Vitória’s main moves in the first half. Then, at the 27-minute mark, it was rewarded with a goal from Luiz Fernando, with a header after a cross from Rodriguinho. The 1-0 scoreline for Leão do Pici held through the opening half, a result that would have forced a penalty shootout.

In the second half, however, Vitória completed the comeback. It was not an easy task. Fortaleza remained dangerous, especially on the counterattack. But in the 25th minute, Martínez equalized after a set play that started from a corner.

With the score level, Fortaleza was forced to push forward more, which left its defense vulnerable. And right at the end, after an assist from Martínez, Kayser broke through alone and turned the game around. There was no time left for a response. With the final whistle soon after, the celebrations took over Barradão. Vitória is the new five-time Copa do Nordeste champion.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.