Léo Naldi’s last-gasp header sends Novorizontino into Paulistão semis, ending long goal drought | OneFootball

Léo Naldi’s last-gasp header sent Novorizontino into the Paulistão semi-final, ending a lengthy personal scoring drought.

The midfielder beat Gabriel Brazão with a precise header in the final action against Santos on Sunday, sealing victory and Tigre do Vale’s progression. According to Globo.com, he later played for Vitória, Atlético-GO and Criciúma before arriving this year.

It was his first goal since 30 July 2023 for Ponte Preta, when he scored and assisted in a 2-2 draw with Vitória in Série B.

Since joining, he has become a guaranteed starter, beginning eight of nine matches and missing only the Mirassol derby through suspension.

Between that Ponte strike and Sunday, 938 days elapsed. In that stretch he contributed one direct goal involvement, an assist for Hélio Borges in the 4-0 win over Palmeiras in the first phase of the Paulistão.

Novorizontino will face Corinthians in a one-off semi-final at the Jorjão. Before then, they host Nacional-AM in the Copa do Brasil on Wednesday at 18:00, also a single-leg tie.

Source: Globo.com