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PričaCeará Secures Copa do Nordeste Spot Despite State Final Defeat
Ceará concluded the 2026 Campeonato Cearense campaign as runners-up, falling to Fortaleza in the final decided by penalties after a 1–1 aggregate draw on March 8 at Arena Castelão. Fortaleza claimed the state title via a 5–4 shootout victory. The club nonetheless secured qualification for the 2026 Copa do Nordeste alongside Fortaleza, based on their performance in the competition. Ceará enters the regional tournament set to run from March 24 to June 7, representing the state at a higher level of competition.