Game Information

Saturday 12th April – Kick-off – 20:00 (GMT)

Juventude

After a two-goal win on the opening matchday, Juventude were brought back down to earth at the weekend as they suffered a two-goal defeat of their own.

Goals from Igor Jesus and Meato Ponte were enough to secure the points for the champions in rainy conditions in Rio de Janeiro. Juve didn’t play as poorly as the scoreline suggests—they did create chances but failed to convert, something they’ll be hoping to improve in this battle.

Juve have had a week to prepare for this duel and have won their last two matches against Ceará, the most recent coming in a Serie B fixture in 2023, where they beat the northeastern side 3–1 away from home.

Ceará

Like Juventude, Ceará have had a full week to prepare for this matchup and come into the game fresh—unlike most teams in the league, who have been involved in midweek continental battles.
They’ve enjoyed a solid start to their season, drawing the opening game and following it up with a strong performance in a win over Grêmio last week.

Pedro Raul opened the scoring from the penalty spot, allowing Ceará to sit back, defend their lead, and look to hit on the counter. In the dying minutes, Grêmio sent goalkeeper Tiago Volpi forward for a late corner, but it backfired for the visitors as Ceará broke quickly and Matheus Araújo sealed the three points for the northeastern side.

They’ll be aiming to maintain their unbeaten run here, though it won’t be easy against a Juve side that has been very strong at home in recent years.

Expected Lineups

Juventude – Gustavo, Ewerthon, Adriano Martins, Abner, Alan Ruschel, Jadson, Giraldo, Mandaca, Petterson, Batalla, Gabriel Taliari.

Ceará – Bruno Ferreira, Fabiano, Marllon, Willian Machado, Matheus Bahia, Fernando Sobral, Diego, Lucas Mugni, Fernandinho, Pedro Raul, Galeano.

Prediction

Juventude 2-1 Ceará