In a nail-biting encounter in the 12th round of the Brasileirao, Fortaleza succumbed to Santos with a score of 3-2, despite an impressive brace from midfielder Yago Pikachu. The game was filled with excitement and had fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle, showcasing moments of brilliance from both squads. Álvaro Barreal (14’ 1T), Guilherme (40’ 1T), and Benjamín Rollheiser (46’ 2T) found the back of the net for Santos, while Yago Pikachu converted two penalties for Fortaleza, scoring at 25’ and 28’ of the second half.
Fortaleza nearly leveled the score late in the game when a strike from Deyverson struck the woodwork, just missing the equalizer.
Despite Santos claiming the victory, Fortaleza dominated the match with a remarkable total of 31 shots taken, though only 20 were on target. They also managed to hit the post once while 8 shots went off target.
Gabriel Brazão emerged as the standout player of the match, demonstrating his skills by saving a total of 10 shots on goal from the opposing team.
Benjamín Rollheiser also had a significant impact for Santos, contributing with a crucial goal.
Fortaleza’s head coach, Juan Pablo Vojvoda, deployed a 4-3-3 formation with João Ricardo in goal, supported by Emanuel Brítez, David Luiz, Gustavo Mancha, and Bruno Pacheco in defense. The midfield consisted of Zé Welison, Emmanuel Martínez, and Tomás Pochettino, while Marinho, Deyverson, and Breno Lopes led the attack.
On the other side, Santos, managed by Cléber Xavier, also opted for a 4-3-3 formation, featuring Gabriel Brazão as goalkeeper, with Gonzalo Escobar, João Basso, Luan Peres, and Souza forming the defensive line. The midfield included Zé Rafael, Diego Pituca, and Benjamín Rollheiser, while Álvaro Barreal, Tiquinho Soares, and Guilherme spearheaded the offensive line.
Referee Paulo Zanovelli da Silva officiated the match at the Estádio Castelão.
Looking ahead, Fortaleza will face Ceará in their next match, while Santos will take on Palmeiras at home. Both teams are eager to claim victory in their respective clássico matches, ‘Rei’ and ‘da Saudade.’
With this result, Fortaleza currently occupies the 18th position in the league standings with 10 points, whereas Santos moves up to 14th place with 11 points.
Fortaleza Substitutions
59’ 2T – Emmanuel Martínez was replaced by Calebe and Marinho was substituted for Yago Pikachu.
76’ 2T – Breno Lopes came off for Lucca Prior and Deyverson was replaced by Juan Martín Lucero.
Yellow Cards for Fortaleza:
11’ 2T Marinho (Unsporting behavior), 33’ 2T Zé Welison (Unsporting behavior), 40’ 2T Bruno Pacheco (Holding an opponent to prevent progress), and 44’ 2T David Luiz (Unsporting behavior).
Santos Substitutions
45’ 2T – Souza was replaced by Zé Ivaldo.
63’ 2T – Tiquinho Soares came off for Thaciano.
79’ 2T – Diego Pituca was substituted for Gabriel Bontempo.
80’ 2T – Álvaro Barreal was replaced by Deivid Washington.
84’ 2T – Zé Rafael came off for João Schmidt.
Yellow Cards for Santos:
50’ 2T João Pedro Chermont (Insulting or disapproving the referee) and 51’ 2T João Schmidt (Unsporting behavior).