The defenders
Definition
A prominent superhero team in Marvel Comics, originally featuring Doctor Strange, Hulk, Namor the Sub-Mariner, and Silver Surfer; later iterations include street-level heroes like Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, and Iron Fist in the Netflix series.
A group of people or entities who actively protect, support, or safeguard a position, cause, territory, or principle against opposition.
In sports contexts, such as soccer or American football, the players responsible for preventing the opposing team from scoring.
Examples
When the villain crashed the party, the defenders assembled faster than you can say 'Avengers who?'
In the heated debate, the defenders of pineapple pizza stood their ground, armed with nothing but questionable taste.
The defenders of the castle munched on snacks while the dragon circled, because even heroes know timing is everything.
Soccer fans cheered as the defenders thwarted every shot, turning the match into a glorious game of keep-away.