Unseen hero's defensive masterclass frustrates Alverca | OneFootball

Aderllan Santos marshalled AVS's defence with 10 clearances and eight aerial wins as Alverca 0-0 AVS. His dominance under bombardment earned a clean sheet.

Santos established control early, attacking every high ball and setting the tone in his own area. With Alverca firing in 39 crosses and winning eight corners, his positioning and timing repeatedly broke up delivery before danger developed.

After the restart he kept reading the flight and bodying up in duels, forcing hurried second balls and allowing his back line to reset. When Alverca pushed territory, he stepped out to meet the first pass and then retreated to guard the six-yard line.

He finished with 10 clearances, eight aerials won and 11 possession regains, plus three tackles, a profile that underpinned the visitors' 48 clearances overall and blunted 17 home attempts despite long spells of pressure.

Because Alverca built patiently and loaded wide areas, the 36-year-old centre-back could defend the box on his terms, dominate the air and make first contact. His decision-making kept the visitors stable and turned waves of crosses into routine take-offs.

AVS host Santa Clara next. Alverca visit Gil Vicente.