São Luís, Brazil – Ceará secured their place in the fourth round of the 2026 Copa do Brasil with a hard-fought victory over Maranhão on Thursday night. The decisive goal came from midfielder Vinicius Zanocelo, marking his first goal of the year for the club.
Playing at the Castelão stadium in São Luís, Ceará overcame a challenging opponent to advance in the tournament. Zanocelo’s strike proved to be the difference, sending Alvinegro through to the next stage where they will face São Bernardo/SP.
Following the match, Zanocelo expressed his satisfaction with both the team’s progression and his personal milestone. “Classification, first goal of the year, if God wills it, the first of many in 2026,” Zanocelo said, as reported by Ceará’s official website. “It was a tough match, on a difficult pitch, but the important thing is to win. We will continue to grow and evolve to retain getting victories.”
The Copa do Brasil is a significant competition in Brazilian football, offering a pathway to continental tournaments like the Copa Libertadores and Copa Sudamericana. For Ceará, this victory represents a positive step in their 2026 campaign, building momentum as they likewise compete in the Série B of the Campeonato Brasileiro. The tournament’s knockout format adds extra pressure to each match, making Zanocelo’s goal all the more crucial.
Vinicius Zanocelo, 25, has become an increasingly important player for Ceará since joining the club on loan from Santos. According to Wikipedia, Zanocelo’s career has included stints with Ponte Preta, Ferroviária, and a loan spell with Estoril in Portugal before returning to Brazil. His versatility in midfield makes him a valuable asset for coach Luís Miguel.
The upcoming matches against São Bernardo/SP will be a significant test for Ceará. The first leg of the Copa do Brasil tie is yet to be scheduled by the CBF (Confederação Brasileira de Futebol), Brazil’s football governing body. The team will also be preparing for their league commitments, aiming to climb the Série B table. São Bernardo/SP are also Ceará’s opponents in their Série B opener, adding another layer of intrigue to the upcoming fixtures.
Zanocelo’s goal wasn’t just about securing a win; it was a moment of personal significance for the midfielder. Having previously played for Ponte Preta, Ferroviária, and on loan at Santos and Estoril, this first goal of 2026 could be a catalyst for a strong season. The player’s confidence will undoubtedly be boosted as he looks to contribute further to Ceará’s success.
The match against Maranhão highlighted the challenges of competing in the Copa do Brasil, with teams often facing difficult travel conditions and determined opponents. Ceará’s ability to overcome these obstacles demonstrates their resilience and determination. The victory also secures a prize of R$ 1.07 million for the club, as reported by Terra.
Looking ahead, Ceará will be focused on maintaining their momentum in both the Copa do Brasil and the Série B. The team’s performance will be closely watched by fans as they strive for success on multiple fronts. The upcoming matches against São Bernardo/SP will provide a clear indication of Ceará’s capabilities and their ambitions for the season.
The next confirmed checkpoint for Vinicius Zanocelo and Ceará is the first leg of their Copa do Brasil clash against São Bernardo/SP, with the date to be announced by the CBF. Fans can follow official updates on Ceará’s website and social media channels for the latest news and schedule information.
