Palmeiras and Ceará win in the Copa do Brasil U20 last 16

Palmeiras and Ceará secured their spots in the Copa do Brasil U20 round of 16 by defeating Botafogo and Goiás, respectively, in their first leg matches on Thursday. The Brazilian clubs showcased their strength by winning 4-1 against Botafogo at Arena Barueri in São Paulo, and 3-1 at Cidade Vozão in Itaitinga, Ceará. The outcomes mean that both Palmeiras and Ceará can advance even if they lose their upcoming matches.

Palmeiras can afford to lose by up to two goals, while Ceará can afford to lose by one goal. The teams will now play their return fixtures next week. Goiás and Ceará will face off in the second leg on Wednesday at 3 p.m. Brasília time at Hailé Pinheiro in Goiânia. For Goiás to advance beyond this stage, they must win by at least two goals, whereas a victory by three or more goals would see them through in regulation time.

Botafogo, on the other hand, will host Palmeiras on Thursday at 4:30 p.m. Brasília time at Nilton Santos in Rio de Janeiro. To progress to the quarter-finals, Botafogo needs to win by at least three goals, while a victory by four or more goals would secure their spot in the quarter-finals.