🎥 Neymar makes the difference, Santos rally to lead Macará Santos were caught off guard, lost two players to possible injuries in the first half, and had to dig deep. VAR didn’t exactly “help” either, but Peixe came from behind to beat Macará this Thursday (13). Gabigol and Willian Arão secured the 2-1 win in the first leg of the Copa Sudamericana round of 16. It was a match at Vila in which Neymar stood out intensely. It was only Santos’ third win in fourteen matches this year with Neymar and Gabigol in the starting lineup. Highlights coming soon.
First half with a 'bit of everything' Santos were stunned just five minutes in. Luan Peres gave away space, Arão did poorly, and Franco Posse put Macará ahead.
Peixe’s mission then became to find themselves on the pitch so their greater technical quality could shine through. Gabigol began to take center stage and had some big chances. Cuca had to make two substitutions before halftime after losing Gabriel Menino and then Bontempo. Then Neymar and Gabigol made the difference. A pass from the No. 10 to the No. 9 for his 100th goal in a Santos shirt.
Neymar, who had already needed to change his boots, caused another scare after slipping and feeling pain in his left knee area.
VAR turns into the 'villain' Santos came back well after the break, scoring twice through Gabigol. But the No. 9 was offside on both occasions. The first came with a Neymar dummy and the second after a perfect pass from the No. 10.
A 'different' protagonist Santos kept pushing. They tried to overcome a committed opponent and the natural rush of a team under pressure. Then Neymar made the difference once again. A corner kick that caught the opposing defense off guard and ended with a goal by Arão. His first in a Santos shirt.
Santos were the better side, but will take only a narrow lead into the second leg.
What now❓ The second leg will be played next Thursday (20) at Estadio Bellavista. Santos will have the advantage of playing for a draw. Macará, meanwhile, will need to win by at least two goals to advance in regular time. A one-goal win will send the tie to penalties. Whoever goes through will face Atlético or Red Bull Bragantino next. In the first leg in Bragança, Galo won 1-0. Peixe now turn their focus back to the Brasileirão. The team currently opens the Z-4 and will be away to Vasco, 18th, on Sunday (16). The match will be played at São Januário.
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.