Azenha pleased with defensive solidity
The great Vitoria Setubal experiment - Week 2
 Offence wins games but Defence wins championships. In Vitoria’s case, surviving in the Liga Sagres in the top level of Portuguese football would be akin to winning the championship. Read Antonio Fresco’s latest instalment of Vitoria Setubal’s attempt to earn Liga Sagres survival with a brand new zero-cost squad.
The Sadinos travelled to Vila do Conde to take on Rio Ave in the hope of coming away with some points. A 36th minute free kick goal from ex-Vitoria player Bruno Gama dashed those hopes, giving Rio Ave a 1-0 victory. Defensively, Vitoria was very solid. Midfielders Sandro and Djikine were again called on by Coach Azenha to play as central defenders. In the post-game interview, Azenha praised both of their performances. Vitoria’s problems lie on the offensive side of the pitch, with their first legit shot coming in the 55th minute of the game.
With a squad made up of mostly unproven players from the second division, Azenha has stressed that defence is his main priority at the beginning of the season. Vitoria, still searching for true central defenders, has gone with five in the back in its first two matches. Zarabi has been brought in to fill this gap, but was not called upon (probably due to lack of form). There is also a rumour doing the rounds that Marc Zoro, who was instrumental in Vitoria’s quest last season to stay afloat in the Liga, will return to the Sadinos.
Even though the season is in its opening weeks, Carlos Azenha’s defensive tactics have arguably been a success. Giving up only one goal in their first two matches, while using a makeshift defensive line, is a positive for this young Vitoria squad. Sporting and Nacional, two clubs who qualified for European action last season, would much rather have a similar stat line.
Vitoria travels to Lisbon next to take on Portuguese giants Benfica. Before everyone starts claiming an easy victory for Benfica, I want to see if anyone can remember this amazing shot in the 90th minute by Anderson in last season’s encounter at the Estadio da Luz:
This is football, and anything can happen. Vitoria’s going to have to grow up quickly. If they can solidify their defence, in turn letting talented Sandro and Djikine patrol the midfield, maybe Vitoria can come up with a little more magic; just as they did that night in Lisbon last year.
Experiment Success Rating so far: 7
by Antonio Fresco
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