Santos put defence to the test in Copa do Brasil clash with Novorizontino | OneFootball

This Sunday, Santos is seeking a spot in the semifinals of the Campeonato Paulista against Novorizontino. The challenge, however, promises to be one of the toughest: the Alvinegro defense will be put to the test at Estádio Doutor Jorge Ismael de Biasi.

The defensive system remains one of the weakest points of Juan Pablo Vojvoda’s team. Throughout the season, Santos has conceded 14 goals in 11 matches, an average of 1.27 per game.

Between the Paulistão and the Brasileirão, the team has only kept a clean sheet twice in 2026: in the 0-0 draw with Red Bull Bragantino in the fifth round of the State Championship, and in the 6-0 thrashing of Velo Clube in the eighth round.

Fans Frustrated

Setting up the defensive line has been one of Vojvoda’s biggest challenges. None of the available center-backs have managed to secure their spot. The coach has Adonis Frías, Luan Peres, Zé Ivaldo, João Basso, and Alexis Duarte at his disposal.

Of these names, Frías and Luan are the least criticized by the fans. João Basso and Alexis Duarte, on the other hand, are practically out of the plans.

Big Challenge

This Sunday’s opponent doesn’t make things any easier. Leader of the first phase of the Paulistão, Novorizontino also finished the initial stage with the best attack, scoring 16 goals.

Next Santos Match

Match: Novorizontino vs Santos (Paulistão quarterfinals) Date: 02/22 (Sunday), at 4:00 PM (Brasília time) Venue: Estádio Doutor Jorge Ismael de Biasi, in Novo Horizonte (SP)

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