In a dramatic clash at Vila Belmiro, Santos secured their first victory of the 2025 Campeonato Brasileiro, defeating Atlético Mineiro 2-0 on Wednesday night. The match was marked by a mix of jubilation and concern as star player Neymar suffered another injury, leaving the field in tears after just 31 minutes of play.
The goals for Santos came from Zé Ivaldo and Barreal, both scored in the first half, putting the Peixe in a commanding position early on. Zé Ivaldo opened the scoring in the 23rd minute, capitalizing on a loose ball from a corner kick, while Barreal doubled the lead just three minutes later, finishing a swift counter-attack initiated by Gabriel Bontempo.
Despite the early success, the night turned somber for Santos fans when Neymar, who was playing his 100th game at Vila Belmiro, felt pain in his left thigh and requested to be substituted. This latest setback marks the sixth time Neymar has been substituted in seven starts since his return to Brazil, following a previous injury that kept him sidelined for over a month.
"It’s frustrating to see him go down again, especially after all the hard work he put in to come back," said Santos' interim coach César Sampaio, who was overseeing his first match after the dismissal of Pedro Caixinha. The team showed resilience, holding onto their lead despite a lackluster performance from Atlético, who struggled to create clear chances throughout the match.
In the first half, Santos took control early, with Zé Ivaldo’s goal igniting the crowd of 10,360 fans. The defender's celebration included a cheeky imitation of a chicken, provoking the Atlético supporters. Just minutes later, Barreal struck, finishing a well-placed cross from Bontempo.
As the match progressed, Atlético began to find their rhythm, but their efforts were thwarted by a solid Santos defense and some key saves from goalkeeper Gabriel Brazão. The best chance for the Galo came late in the first half when João Marcelo's header was expertly saved by Brazão, who was in fine form.
After the break, Atlético's coach Cuca made tactical adjustments, hoping to spark a comeback. However, the Galo's attempts were met with frustration as they failed to capitalize on their opportunities. The turning point came when Zé Ivaldo received a direct red card for a foul on Gabriel Menino, but VAR intervened, and the decision was overturned, keeping Santos' defense intact.
"We started the game well, but the goals we conceded were due to careless mistakes," said Atlético defender Lyanco. "We need to focus on our next match and get back to winning ways." Atlético currently sits in 19th place with only two points from four matches, a disappointing start for a team with high aspirations this season.
As the clock wound down, Santos maintained their composure, effectively managing the game and limiting Atlético's chances. The final whistle marked a significant moment for the Peixe, who not only celebrated their first win of the campaign but also faced the reality of Neymar's ongoing injury woes.
Looking ahead, Santos will face São Paulo at MorumBis on Sunday, April 20, while Atlético will host Botafogo at Mineirão on the same day. Both teams are eager to turn their fortunes around, with Santos hoping to build on this victory and Atlético desperate for a much-needed win.
With Neymar's fitness now a major concern, the club will conduct imaging tests on Thursday to assess the extent of his injury. The team and fans alike are left hoping for a swift recovery, as Neymar's presence is crucial for Santos' ambitions this season. The Peixe’s next fixtures will be pivotal in determining their trajectory in the league and beyond.
