Analysis: shaky defence and blunt attack cost Santos in defeat to Ceará | OneFootball

Santos suffered a painful defeat to Ceará, losing 3-0 on Sunday night, during the 27th round of the Brazilian Championship. The team had moments of fluctuation in the game but was punished for its defensive fragility and, mainly, its offensive ineffectiveness. Thus, they experienced their first defeat under coach Juan Pablo Vojvoda.

Coach makes changes in defense but doesn't get a good response

Vojvoda traveled with the team to Fortaleza without right-back Mayke, who had a muscle discomfort and was therefore rested. Igor Vinícius naturally took the position. But the changes didn't stop there. The coach decided to make a change in the defense and include another midfielder in the team. Thus, Adonis Frías replaced Luan Peres and Tomás Rincón took Barreal's place.

Right at the beginning of the first half, Santos faced difficulties in making the system work with these players. Ceará took advantage of the gaps and had a clear chance just two minutes in. They only didn't score thanks to the post. It was from a wrong pass by Brazão that Ceará's first goal was born, at ten minutes. To make matters worse, the spaced and lost defensive line allowed Mugni to face the goal and take advantage of a rebound to make it 1-0 for Ceará.

The justification for setting up an unprecedented defensive duo for the match in Ceará was that Adonis and Alexis are strong in aerial play. But this was not shown on the field, and the duo struggled with Pedro Raul's aerial threats. Under Vojvoda, Santos' defense has already conceded seven goals in six games. They only weren't breached in the goalless draw with Fluminense and the 1-0 victory over São Paulo.

Attack falls short

Santos had more ball possession but didn't know what to do with it. The best chance came from a set piece where Rollheiser hit the crossbar. In the second half, Vojvoda brought Barreal in for Rincón and later also used Souza, Caballero, Tiquinho, and Thaciano.

However, Souza's entry, which was the most effective, came too late. The team had already conceded the second goal when Pedro Henrique appeared unmarked in the area. The São Paulo team had flashes and seemed like they might turn the result around, but that was it. Caballero, Souza, and Rollheiser had chances. Additionally, goalkeeper Bruno Ferreira had a good night and didn't give Santos a chance.

In injury time, the final blow. Ceará's third goal: Fernando Sobral from outside the area.

See more: Lautaro says what was missing for Santos in the defeat to Ceará and admits: “We owe it”

Santos' situation in the Brazilian Championship

The defeat leaves Santos with 28 points, in 16th position, three points ahead of Vitória, the team at the top of the relegation zone. Santos will have a free period during the FIFA date to adjust whatever is necessary before facing Corinthians in the Brasileirão.

Next Santos match

Santos vs Corinthians (28th round of the Brasileirão) Date and time: October 15, 2025 (Wednesday), at 9:30 PM (Brasília time) Location: Vila Belmiro, in Santos (SP)

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