Striker Pedro Raul scored twice as Ceara climbed to third in Brazil's Serie A standings on Tuesday with a 2-1 home victory over Vasco da Gama.

Pedro opened the scoring just before the half-hour with a first-time effort from the edge of the six-yard box after Lucas Mugni's cross.

Vasco doubled its lead nine minutes from time when Pedro struck again with a close-range effort following Guilherme Luiz's headed pass.

Argentine forward Pablo Vegetti gave his side a glimmer of hope by latching onto Rayan Rocha's cross and sending a glancing header into the far corner in the second minute of stoppage time.

But Ceara withstood a tense finale to secure its second win from four games and move level on points with leader Flamengo, which has a game in hand. Vasco is sixth, one point further back.

"It's becoming our trademark to make the most of our home ground advantage," Pedro told reporters after the match. "We know the quality of our squad and with the help of our fans we are very difficult to beat here."

"Now we have to rest and make sure this strong start to the season continues. Every game in this competition is difficult."

Ceara's next match will be a visit to Bahia next Monday while Vasco will host Flamengo on Saturday.