Neymar made a significant comeback by scoring a hat-trick, leading Santos to a crucial victory against Juventude. This match took place at Estádio Alfredo Jaconi in Caxias do Sul. The 3-0 win is pivotal in Santos’ fight against relegation in the penultimate round of the Brasileirão.
Neymar’s Performance and Impact
This marks Neymar’s first hat-trick since April 9, 2022, when he played for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and scored three goals against Clermont in a Ligue 1 match. Since then, injuries and other challenges had limited his contributions on the field.
Despite a knee injury affecting his left meniscus, Neymar showcased his talent. He played with protective gear, similar to what he wore in previous matches. His presence greatly impacted Santos’ offensive gameplay, just as it had in their recent match against Sport, where he scored and assisted in another 3-0 victory.
Crucial Victory for Santos
Neymar’s three goals provided a boost of hope for Santos. The team’s win raised their points to 44, allowing them to move up to the 14th position in the league standings. This victory places them slightly above the relegation zone, with two points separating them from danger as they head into the final round.
A Memorable Performance
- Date of the last hat-trick: April 9, 2022
- Previous team: Paris Saint-Germain (PSG)
- Match location: Estádio Alfredo Jaconi, Caxias do Sul
- Goals scored by Neymar in the match: 3
- Current points for Santos: 44
- Current standing of Santos: 14th place in Brasileirão
As the final whistle blew, Neymar held onto the match ball as a memento of what may serve as a turning point in the season for Santos. This victory marked not only a crucial win but also a reunion with the team’s biggest star when they needed him most. For Neymar, this performance could signal that he still has more memorable chapters to write in his return to Brazilian football.
