Náutico aims to end 61-year winless streak against Fortaleza

A historic challenge for Náutico

Náutico's last away win over Fortaleza dates back to 1965, when the Pernambuco side won 3-2 in a Taça Brasil quarterfinal. Since then, the two clubs have met 12 more times in Fortaleza: Fortaleza won eight of those matches, while four ended in draws. The most recent meeting in Fortaleza came in 2023, in the Copa do Nordeste, with the hosts winning 2-1. The last away draw was recorded back in 2002 (2-2).

Overall, Náutico's last victory over Fortaleza came in 2012, when it won 2-1 at home (Estádio dos Aflitos) in the Copa do Brasil — though this wasn't enough to advance, as Fortaleza had won the first leg 4-0 in Fortaleza.

Current form

Náutico is struggling on the road this season, going ten away matches without a win. Its last away victory came on May 16 against Operário (6-2); since then it has suffered six defeats and four draws, collecting just 14 points from 15 away games. In the standings, Náutico sits 14th with 41 points, while Fortaleza is third with 52 points, inside the promotion zone (G-4).

Although Fortaleza has gone 11 Série B matches unbeaten at home, it has drawn four of its last five home games — against São Bernardo (1-1), Ceará (1-1), Operário (1-1) and Athletic (2-2). Its only win in that stretch came against Avaí (1-0).

Low ticket demand

Notably, Fortaleza reported unusually low fan interest for the match: as of Thursday, only 8,064 attendees had been registered (4,587 check-ins and 3,477 tickets sold). By comparison, the previous home game against Athletic (2-2) drew 31,562 fans. Fortaleza has the highest average attendance in Série B this season — 14,800 paying fans per match, totaling 221,996 across 15 home games. Sport ranks second (11,529) and Ceará third (11,059).

Sources differ slightly on kickoff time — Terra reports 21:35, while Diário do Nordeste states 21:30.