🦁 Fortaleza revive hope of survival on a historic night | OneFootball

Thursday, November 20, 2025. A night that seemed to be just another in the Brasileirão marathon, but one that could make all the difference for Fortaleza's salvation. 

At the imposing Casa de Apostas Arena Fonte Nova, a stage of so many stories and a true cauldron for Bahia, the Lion of Pici roared louder, achieving an epic 3-2 victory in the 34th round clash.

It wasn't just any victory. It was Fortaleza's first win over the Bahian tricolor in Salvador in national tournament games. A taboo broken with the strength of those who refuse to accept fate.

The thirst for survival

Bahia came with the confidence of a team that almost never stumbles at home, boasting only one home defeat. The 53 points on the table provided the tranquility of those already dreaming of a spot in the Libertadores group stage.

On the other side, Fortaleza arrived with a knife between its teeth, cornered in the relegation zone, but with renewed faith from the unbeaten streak. 

Bahia reacted twice, with Willian José and Thiago. But the Lion had a trio that made all the difference. 

The heroes of the Lion

The salvation script inevitably passed through the feet and head of its scorers.

Bareiro is no longer a surprise. He is the certainty of a good moment, the engine that drives the attack. His goal reinforced the bright phase, proving to be the key player in this final sprint.

Herrera, the name of the moment. Scoring the first goal for a new club is always a relief and an affirmation. His came at the crucial hour, a shout of "I'm here" that was worth gold and oxygen on the table.

But the great protagonist, the goal man with a keen sense, goes by the name of Deyverson. He not only scored, he reached his fourth goal in just two games. A performance of a born striker, decisive, carrying hope on his shoulders. He was decisive again with a "different" celebration.

Renewed breath

The final whistle brought the stunned silence of Fonte Nova and the deafening ecstasy of the Ceará side. The 34 points placed Fortaleza, now in 18th, closer to Santos, which is 16th with 37. With four rounds remaining. 

The victory guarantees nothing, but injects vital breath into the fight against relegation. What seemed unlikely is now a real dream, fueled by the bravery of a historic night in Salvador.

The Lion showed that, even wounded, it has the strength to fight until the last minute and rewrite its destiny. The chronicle of survival gained a golden chapter.

Photo: Matheus Amorim/FEC

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