Vitória and Fortaleza to decide the Copa do Nordeste | OneFootball

Vitória and Fortaleza will play in the final of the 2026 Copa do Nordeste. The team from Bahia secured its spot after two wins over ABC: 6-2 last week at Barradão, and 4-3 this Wednesday at Rei Pelé. Fortaleza, meanwhile, had a tougher task and booked its place in the final by defeating Sport 2-0 at Ilha do Retiro, also on Wednesday.

In the other match, at Castelão on May 20, Sport had won 2-1.

Vitória has won the Copa do Nordeste four times. Fortaleza has three titles. Bahia is the competition’s record champion, with five.

Current cup holder Bahia was left out of the 2026 edition due to a change in CBF regulations, which prevents clubs qualified for Conmebol competitions (the Libertadores and the Copa Sudamericana) from playing in regional tournaments. Since Bahia earned a spot in the Libertadores preliminary stage, the club was automatically barred from the competition.

Vitória beat ABC again: 4-3 at Rei PeléCredits: Victor Ferreira / Vitória

At Rei Pelé this Wednesday, ABC took the lead with a goal by Luiz Fernando in the 15th minute. Vitória equalized shortly afterward through Nathan Mendes. But still in the first half, Luiz Fernando scored again to put the home side back in front.

In the second half, Baralhas made it 2-2 in the 27th minute. ABC went ahead again in the 42nd minute through Igor Bahia. However, the visitors came back with goals in the 43rd and 49th minutes, scored by Fabri and Erick, respectively.

At Ilha do Retiro, Miritello headed Fortaleza in front in the 35th minute of the first half. In the 7th minute of the second half, Vitinho struck a powerful shot from outside the box to extend the lead.

Vitória and Fortaleza will contest the title over two legs, on June 2 and 6. The first match will be at Castelão. The second and decisive one will be at Barradão.

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