Neymar has emerged as a savior for Santos, guiding the team to safety despite battling an injury. The 33-year-old Brazilian star faced skepticism about his ability to play in the final three rounds of the Brasileirao due to a meniscus injury in his left knee. However, he rallied with standout performances, marking his return home with significant contributions.
Neymar’s Impact on Santos’ Season
In a critical match against Sport Recife, Neymar scored and assisted in a decisive 3-0 victory. He followed this with a remarkable hat-trick against Juventude, helping lift Santos out of the relegation zone. The final match showcased a strong performance as Santos secured another 3-0 win over Cruzeiro, confirming their survival in the league.
Key Matches and Contributions
- Sport Recife: Neymar scored one goal and assisted in a 3-0 victory.
- Juventude: He achieved a hat-trick, further establishing his importance to the team.
- Cruzeiro: Performance highlighted by another 3-0 win, sealing Santos’ safety.
Match Highlights Against Cruzeiro
The match against Cruzeiro was pivotal. Santos faced an early challenge when a goal from former player Gabigol was ruled out for offside. However, Thaciano broke the deadlock in the 26th minute, scoring from a corner taken by Guilherme.
Neymar then created the second goal just two minutes later, assisting Thaciano once again. The third goal came in the 60th minute with Joao Schmidt heading in from another corner by Guilherme, solidifying the team’s victory.
Throughout the season, Neymar recorded 11 goals and provided four assists, solidifying his role in Santos’ successful campaign.
Santos’ Future Prospects
Remarkably, Santos finished the season in 12th place and qualified for the Copa Sudamericana. Following the match, Neymar expressed his pride and dedication to the club, stating, “My heart is with Santos, and it will always be a priority for me.” He confirmed plans for minor knee surgery but did not disclose his future with the team.
Conclusion and League Overview
- Champions: Flamengo
- Copa Libertadores Qualifiers: Flamengo, Palmeiras, Cruzeiro, Mirassol, and Fluminense
- Copa Sudamericana Teams: Sao Paulo, Gremio, RB Bragantino, Atlético Mineiro, Santos, and Corinthians
- Relegated Teams: Sport Recife, Juventude, Ceará, and Fortaleza
With new challenges ahead, the Santos community celebrates their survival, fueled by Neymar’s resilience and passion for the club.
