FORTALEZA (Interstat) — Ceara defeated Criciuma 1-0 on Thursday at Estádio Governador Plácido Aderaldo Castelo in Fortaleza, Ceará. Lenny Lobato scored the only goal in the 88th minute, assisted by Vinicius Zanocelo. The late strike gave Ceara a winning start in the competition and overall, while Criciuma opened with a loss in both. Criciuma’s Marcelo Hermes was booked in the 44th minute, Rodrigo in the 48th, and Ronald Lopes in the 67th. Ceara’s Vina was booked in the 78th. Both teams made substitutions throughout the second half, but Ceara held on for the shutout. Criciuma pressed for an equalizer after the goal but could not find a response. Ceara improved to 1-0 in the competition and 1-0 across all competitions. Criciuma fell to 0-1 in the competition and 0-1 across all competitions. Lobato finished with 27 minutes played and scored, while Zanocelo played the full 90 and provided the assist for Ceara.