Brazilian Championship: Ceará beaten 1-0 by Náutico in Recife | OneFootball

Photo: Gabriel Silva/Ceará SC

Playing at the Aflitos stadium in Recife, Ceará were defeated 1-0 by Náutico in a match valid for the 22nd round of the 2026 Brazilian Série B Championship. The only goal of the match was scored by Léo Índio in first-half stoppage time.

Even under heavy rain, the first half was very lively, with many chances for both teams. For the black-and-white side, in the fourth minute, Renzo López headed the ball near the edge of the six-yard box, but the Pernambuco defense cleared it off the line.

Three minutes later, Júlio César took advantage of a rebound from the home defense to strike first-time, but the ball went over the goal. In the 20th minute, Melk received the ball at the edge of the box, but was stopped by goalkeeper Muriel.

Defensively, Ceará coped well with most of the opponent’s attacks, but conceded from an aerial ball in stoppage time of the opening half, going into the dressing room trailing 1-0.

In the second half, Ceará looked to the introductions of Lucas Mugni, Giulio, and Matheus Araújo as weapons in the search for an equalizer. Just seven minutes in, Melk received the ball from Giulio at the edge of the area and shot, forcing a save from the goalkeeper. In the 16th minute, Giulio was also denied by Muriel.

Matheus Araújo was another player who had two shots go close to the red-and-white goal, both after the 30-minute mark. Until the final moments of the match, Ceará kept pushing for the equalizer, but ultimately lost by the narrowest of margins.

Next Saturday at 6 p.m., at Arena Castelão, Ceará will host Londrina. Wednesday the 19th will be dedicated to training in Recife and the return to the capital.

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