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

Santos suffered a painful defeat to Ceará, by 3 to 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, for its offensive inefficiency. Thus, they experienced their first defeat under the command of coach Juan Pablo Vojvoda.

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

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

And 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 missed thanks to the post. It was from a wrong pass by Brazão that Ceará's first goal was born, at ten minutes. To complete, the defensive line, spaced and lost, allowed Mugni to face the goal and take advantage of a rebound to make it 1-0 Ceará.

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

Attack falls short

Santos even had more ball possession but didn't know what to do with it. The best chance was 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, who performed best in the game, was late. The team had already conceded the second goal, in a play where Pedro Henrique appeared free in the area. The São Paulo team had flashes and seemed like they would chase the result, but it didn't happen. 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. Third goal for Ceará: Fernando Sobral from the edge of 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 that opens 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.