Analysis: Santos try changes, but derby draw keeps Vojvoda under pressure | OneFootball

Santos ended in a 1-1 draw with Corinthians last Sunday afternoon, in a match valid for the sixth round of the Brazilian Championship. For the Peixe, the game was marked by changes in the lineup and the game system, as well as the return of the attacking midfielder Neymar.

However, the tests by the Peixe's technical staff did not yield the expected results, and the number 10 failed to stand out. The spotlight was on Gabigol, who scored the equalizing goal for the Santos team and secured the draw.

Suspended, Juan Pablo Vojvoda was replaced by Gastón Liendo, who led the team that took the field with a line of three defenders. In addition to starting with Adonís Frías, Zé Ivaldo, and Luan Peres, the midfielder Gustavo Henrique, from Peixe's youth academy, gained space. Rony and Barreal were the wing-backs on the right and left, respectively.

The match also marked the debut of the Uruguayan Christian Oliva, who started for the first time. He was substituted in the second half.

See more: Vojvoda's assistant explains the change in Santos' lineup and justifies Gabigol's exit

Santos inconsistent and little prominence from Neymar

Santos was inconsistent. The team from Baixada Santista started the match better, occupied the attacking field, and pressured the rival. Oliva hit the post, and Barreal forced Hugo Souza to make a good save within just ten minutes of play. Even though they were better on the field, they suffered a blow with Corinthians' goal at 17 minutes.

But, Peixe responded quickly and equalized at 21. Gabigol took advantage of Gabriel Paulista's mistake, pressured by Neymar, invaded the area with a lot of freedom, and scored past Hugo Souza. Gabriel Brazão still saved Peixe twice at the end of the first half.

While the teams were active at the start of the first half, the second was different. Santos allowed Corinthians to have the ball but faced little danger. Peixe, in turn, also struggled to penetrate the attack and only threatened again at 36 with a header from Neymar.

Vojvoda remains under pressure

Despite the overall weak performance, the draw wasn't so bad for Santos when considering the broader context. Peixe finished the match with two players less after Vinícius Lira left due to injury and Luan Peres was sent off. Both left the field after the five substitutions.

However, the result continues to put pressure on Juan Pablo Vojvoda in charge of Santos. Despite not losing in three games (two draws and one win), the coach has been under scrutiny from the fans and recently saw the board's distrust grow.

Santos' situation in the Brazilian Championship

With the draw, Santos moved up one position in the standings to 13th place, with six points. In the Brasileirão, they have one win, three draws, and two losses.

Next Santos match

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.