Ceará Sub-20 trains in Cidade Vozão aiming for decisive push

Ceará Sporting Club Sub-20 held an intensive training session at Cidade Vozão on Monday (June 30), kicking off a decisive week ahead of the final three matches of the youth Serie A. Led by coach Rafael Lima, the squad focused on set‑pieces and quick transitions, aiming to boost the offensive efficiency that has been lacking in recent games.

How was the training?

The session started at 09:00 with a light warm‑up, followed by short‑space possession drills. Coach Rafael Lima then organized two set‑piece routines: an attacking corner and a short‑range free kick. Young forwards like Gabriel Silva (18) showed improvement, finishing the drills with accuracy. The day ended with a friendly match against Fortaleza’s U‑20 side, which Ceará won 2‑1.

Why is this week crucial?

The youth Serie A has only five rounds left, and Ceará Sub‑20 currently sits third with 22 points. A win in the next two games could secure a spot in the tournament’s final phase. The club also aims to close the season with its best youth campaign ever, strengthening the talent pipeline for the senior squad.

Who are the stand‑outs?

Gabriel Silva has been the main offensive threat, scoring four goals in the last eight matches. In midfield, Lucas Mendes (19) stands out for his ball‑recovery and short‑pass distribution. Defensively, centre‑back João Pereira (20) leads the back line, posting the highest tackle average (3.2 per game) for the team.

What’s next?

The next fixture is against São Paulo’s U‑20 side on July 3, followed by a clash with Internacional’s U‑20 on July 7. Both opponents are title contenders, raising the stakes for the upcoming matches. Coach Rafael Lima promised to keep training intensity high and fine‑tune tactical details before the games.

Fans are eager, and Ceará Sporting Club’s management closely monitors the youth development, believing these players could become key figures for the senior team.