Fortaleza’s make-or-break derby: can Vojvoda finally end the drought? | OneFootball

Fortaleza head into Sunday's Clássico Rei seeking their first victory over rivals Ceará in more than eight matches, with Juan Pablo Vojvoda overseeing his 24th derby since his appointment in 2021, according to Diário do Nordeste. Under Vojvoda, Fortaleza have posted five wins, eight draws, and ten defeats in the fixture, with goals coming from a spread of 14 different players. Notably, striker Lucero leads the team’s derby scoring charts in this period with four goals, while David—since departed—follows with three. Lucas Sasha, Moisés, Pikachu, Tinga, and Calebe have all registered two goals apiece in these clashes.

During Vojvoda’s tenure, Fortaleza have managed 24 goals in Clássico Rei encounters, failing to score on eight occasions across meetings in the Campeonato Cearense, Copa do Nordeste, Copa do Brasil, and Brasileirão. The attacking challenge remains significant, as the team’s struggles have extended beyond this rivalry. Coming into the weekend, Fortaleza are mired in an eight-game winless run across all competitions, having most recently exited the Copa do Nordeste.

Squad issues remain a concern, particularly with both form and depth in question. Injuries have impacted the side, and the risk of suspensions looms over several key players, including Lucero, Calebe, and Gustavo Mancha. However, the side received a timely boost as Marinho, who had been facing a two-match ban for a red card against Vasco da Gama, has been cleared to play in the derby after a suspension waiver, as reported by Globo. New arrival José Herrera, recently signed from Argentinos Juniors, is also in contention to make his debut, offering fresh attacking options for Vojvoda at a crucial juncture.

Fortaleza’s probable starting line-up is expected to feature João Ricardo in goal; a backline of Brítez, Kuscevic, Mancha, and Mancuso; a midfield anchored by Lucas Sasha—whose contract renewal until 2026 was confirmed this week—and Matheus Pereira and Pochettino; with Breno Lopes, Pikachu, and Lucero forming the attacking trio. Sasha’s presence is particularly vital, given his leadership role and stability in the squad at a time when unity is being emphasised by club leaders such as Tinga and Lucero.

The upcoming match at Arena Castelão, scheduled for Sunday 20:30 (Brasília time), takes on added significance for Fortaleza beyond the city rivalry. With the team sitting 18th in the league table, three points could provide critical momentum for their fight against relegation and deliver a much-needed morale boost. The period ahead, including fixtures against Bahia and Grêmio, presents both challenges and the opportunity to reset the trajectory of the season.