Athletico-PR vs Fortaleza Prediction: Fortaleza has suffered two consecutive losses

Fortaleza is undoubtedly the season's big surprise but seems to have felt the top-flight pressure too much. After ten unbeaten games, the Cearenses reached first place in Round 24 but lost their following two fixtures. Defeat against Botafogo, the previous Brasileirão leader, has taken confidence away from Vojvoda's men.

The Hurricane was dramatically eliminated in the quarter-finals of the Copa do Brasil after losing on penalties to Vasco da Gama. Athletico had lost 2-1 in Rio de Janeiro and therefore needed to win by two goals. At 33', the Paranaenses were already leading 2-0, and a few minutes later, Rayan received a red card, leaving Vasco with ten players. However, in the 45th minute, Vegetti outjumped his opponent and headed the ball into the net to make it 2-1. Athletico Paranaense had several chances to score in the second half, but Léo Jardim, Vasco's goalkeeper, was brilliant. Jardim saved Canobbio's shot in the penalty shoot-out, and Vasco qualified for the semi-finals. The Copa do Brasil winner qualifies for the Copa Libertadores, so now, Athletico-PR must finish the league in the top six if it wants to play in the most important South American club competition. The Curitiba side is currently in 12th place with two games in hand.

After losing to Botafogo, Fortaleza traveled to Porto Alegre midweek to face Internacional in a postponed match from Round 19. A victory would take the Lion back to the top of the table, but the team was far from its best, showing some anxiety. Inter scored in the 21st minute through Alan Patrick in an excellent team move, but the Cearenses equalized still in the first half. In the 45th minute, Tarouco took advantage of a mistake by Uruguayan goalkeeper Rochet, who dropped the ball after a free kick into the area. The game was uninteresting in the second half until the Gaúchos scored in the 83rd minute in a very confusing move in the Fortaleza area. Prado made it 2-1 for Internacional, and Fortaleza let first place slip away yet again.

Both teams had negative results in midweek. Despite winning its game, Athletico-PR was knocked out from the Copa do Brasil by Vasco da Gama on penalties. Meanwhile, Fortaleza lost 2-1 to Internacional in a postponed match from Round 19 and missed the chance to climb to first place. It was the second straight defeat for the Cearenses, who are feeling the pressure of fighting for the title. It will be interesting to see how the Lion reacts. I'm going for a draw in a probably very even match.