Santos vs Novorizontino Match Recap - Jan 10, 2026

Santos Stages Late Comeback to Edge Novorizontino 2-1 in Paulista A1 Clash

Santos showcased their resilience with a dramatic late winner, overcoming Novorizontino 2-1 at Estadio Urbano Caldeira. This victory marks a continuation of Santos' recent resurgence, having now secured four wins in their last five matches. The attacking prowess of Gabriel Barbosa and Thaciano proved pivotal, as they both contributed to the comeback after falling behind early.

Santos' recent form has been nothing short of impressive, with a remarkable average of 2.4 goals per game over their last five outings. The offensive dynamism has been spearheaded by Neymar, who has consistently found the back of the net, including a hat-trick against Juventude just weeks prior. This match further solidified Santos' attacking credentials, as they maintained a commanding presence in the final third, reflected in their xG of 2.10 against Cruzeiro in their last match. The ability to convert chances into goals has become a hallmark of their play, and today was no exception.

Defensively, Santos has shown vulnerabilities, particularly in their previous draw against Internacional where they conceded despite a superior xG. However, the team managed to tighten up when it mattered most today, limiting Novorizontino's opportunities after conceding an early goal. The defensive unit, led by Zé Ivaldo and Adonis Frías, displayed improved organization as the match progressed, allowing them to regain control and push forward.

Novorizontino's recent struggles continued despite an early lead from Diego Galo. Their inability to maintain momentum after scoring has been a recurring theme this season, with only one win in their last five matches. The team has shown resilience, evidenced by their six draws, but converting those performances into victories remains a challenge. Today's loss highlights their ongoing difficulties in closing out games, particularly against teams with the attacking firepower of Santos.

The midfield battle was crucial, with Santos dominating possession at 53%. This control allowed them to dictate the pace and flow of the game, creating numerous opportunities to break down Novorizontino's defense. Guilherme and João Schmidt played instrumental roles in transitioning from defense to attack, ensuring that Santos remained a constant threat throughout the match.

For Novorizontino, the performance of Rômulo stood out despite the defeat. His ability to contribute both defensively and offensively has been vital for the team, but today he lacked sufficient support from his teammates to capitalize on their early advantage. The midfield's inability to maintain possession under pressure ultimately led to their downfall as Santos ramped up their attacking intensity.

Looking ahead, Santos will face Palmeiras next, where they will aim to build on this momentum and solidify their position in the standings. With players like Thaciano stepping up in crucial moments, they appear poised for continued success. Conversely, Novorizontino must regroup quickly before their next match against Guarani Campinas, as they seek to find consistency and convert draws into wins.

This match encapsulated the contrasting trajectories of both teams: Santos is riding high on confidence and form, while Novorizontino grapples with inconsistency and missed opportunities. The late winner from Thaciano not only secured three points but also reinforced Santos' status as a formidable contender in the Paulista A1 this season.