In a commanding display at the Estádio Moisés Lucarelli, Grêmio Novorizontino secured a convincing 2-0 victory over Ponte Preta on June 23, 2026, continuing their strong push in the Brazilian Serie B season. The away side controlled the tempo from the first whistle, leaving the home crowd frustrated as Ponte Preta struggled to find any rhythm.

Match Overview

The match, played under clear skies in Campinas, saw Novorizontino take the lead in the 23rd minute through a well‑worked counter‑attack. Midfielder Lucas Lima slid a perfect through ball to striker Ícaro Silva, who coolly slotted past Ponte Preta goalkeeper Diogo Silva. The visitors doubled their advantage just before half‑time when a corner kick was headed home by central defender Paulo Henrique. Ponte Preta pushed forward in the second half but lacked precision in the final third, managing only three shots on target across the ninety minutes.

Key Moments

• 23' – Ícaro Silva opens the scoring with a clinical finish after a swift breakaway.
• 43' – Paulo Henrique rises highest to nod in a corner, making it 2-0 before the interval.
• 67' – Ponte Preta’s best chance: a long‑range effort from midfielder João Paulo is tipped over the bar by Novorizontino keeper Felipe.
• 89' – Novorizontino’s Vinícius Leite is sent off for a second yellow card, but Ponte Preta cannot capitalize in the dying minutes.

Tactical Story

Novorizontino manager Eduardo Baptista set up his team in a compact 4‑2‑3‑1, pressing high and forcing Ponte Preta into long balls that were easily mopped up by the away defense. Ponte Preta’s usual midfield creativity, led by Dodô, was stifled by Novorizontino’s aggressive double‑pivot. The home side’s full‑backs were caught out repeatedly, especially in the lead‑up to the opening goal. After the second yellow card for Leite, Novorizontino dropped into a deep low block, but Ponte Preta lacked the ideas or quality to break through.

Standout Players

• Ícaro Silva (Novorizontino) – A constant threat with his pace and movement, scored the crucial opener and drew several fouls.
• Paulo Henrique (Novorizontino) – Dominant in the air, scored the second goal and made six clearances.
• Diogo Silva (Ponte Preta) – Despite the defeat, made several good saves to keep the scoreline from becoming even more lopsided.

Season Impact

The victory moved Novorizontino into the top four of the Brazilian Serie B standings, strengthening their promotion aspirations. For Ponte Preta, the loss keeps them mired in mid‑table, now seven points adrift of the playoff places. The result also extends Novorizontino’s unbeaten run to five matches, while Ponte Preta have now lost three of their last four home fixtures – a worrying trend for their supporters ahead of a busy July schedule.