The home side were on top in the early phases, with Magno Alves the first to go close with a long-range piledriver towards goal just tipped over by Fernando Henrique.
Shortly after and Galo were in front through the unlikely scorer Carlos César. Having stormed up from right wing-back, the lateral made no mistake as he drove home his finish from around the penalty spot.
Carlos César was not content with just the one goal, going close on the counter attack just minutes later, whilst loanee André should have scored from a clever Renan back-heel in the area.
With the home-side well on top, it got worse for Ceará when the referee awarded a penalty for a clear foul on goalscorer Carlos César in the area. Magno Alves stepped up confidently, but a magnificent Fernando Henrique save kept out his powerfully struck spot-kick.
Before the break though, Ceará were level against the run of play. Oswaldo was allowed to advance down the left flank, whilst his clipped cross was headed goalbound by Leandro Chaves at the near post. Giovanni was beaten and the scores were level at the break.
Either side of half-time, Ceará picked up a red card and were reduced to nine men for the remainder of the encounter. Michel received a second yellow for a foul on the advancing Daniel Carvalho, before in the early stages of the second half João Marcos was shown a second yellow for dissent.
Atlético battered at the door with substitute Jônatas Obina going close on several occasions and André also guilty of missing too many chances. But, Fernando Henrique was in inspired form in the Ceará goal.
To make matters worse for Ceará, striker Roger who had earlier been substituted became the third Ceará player to be shown a red-card, despite no longer playing a part in the action. Suspensions could be an issue next time out for Ceará who are not yet safe from relegation.
Atlético Mineiro on the other hand could be in big trouble.
