In a thrilling encounter at Vila Belmiro on April 16, 2025, Santos secured a 2-0 victory over Atlético-MG in the fourth round of the Campeonato Brasileiro. The match was not just about the points; it was also a showcase of emotions, rivalries, and a bit of controversy, particularly surrounding the actions of Santos defender Zé Ivaldo.
Zé Ivaldo opened the scoring for Santos in the 23rd minute and made headlines with his celebration, where he provocatively imitated a chicken. This gesture was a clear nod to Atlético-MG's nickname, "Galo," and was directed toward the visiting fans. The former Cruzeiro player, who has a history with Atlético-MG’s fiercest rival, stirred the pot even further with this celebration.
"I did not want to get into controversies," Zé Ivaldo remarked after the match, trying to downplay the situation. However, his actions did not sit well with Atlético-MG’s star forward, Hulk, who was visibly upset. Hulk criticized Ivaldo's celebration, labeling it as "small-minded." He expressed his disappointment, stating, "I think you should focus on playing well and giving your all for your club, not provoking the opposing team because you played for their rival."
The match itself saw Santos take control early on, with Barreal doubling the lead just three minutes after Ivaldo's opener. The goals came in quick succession, setting the tone for the first half. Santos' strong performance was underlined by their ability to capitalize on their chances, contrasting sharply with Atlético-MG, who struggled to find the back of the net.
Hulk, reflecting on the game, said, "We know we are underperforming. It’s tough. We’ve been trying, but we need to convert our chances into goals. We started well today but lost control and conceded two quick goals that cost us dearly." With only two points from their first four matches, Atlético-MG finds themselves near the bottom of the league standings, a stark contrast to their ambitions heading into the season.
As the game progressed, tensions flared between players, culminating in a brief confrontation between Hulk and Zé Ivaldo. Amidst the competitive spirit, Hulk articulated his frustrations, saying, "That’s why some players don’t grow; they think they are stars but remain stuck because they have a small mindset." Such comments highlight the ongoing rivalry and the high stakes involved in matches like these.
In addition to the drama on the pitch, Santos had to deal with an injury concern regarding their own star player, Neymar. He was substituted in the first half after appearing to suffer a left thigh injury, an alarming sight for fans and teammates alike. Neymar was seen celebrating the second goal but soon showed signs of distress, sitting on the pitch and removing his boots, indicating he was in discomfort.
Despite the injury scare, Santos maintained their composure and secured the win, a much-needed three points that could boost their confidence as they look ahead to their upcoming fixtures. Santos will face São Paulo away on April 20, followed by a home match against Red Bull Bragantino on April 27, and then CRB in the Copa do Brasil on April 30.
Looking forward, Hulk acknowledged the challenges ahead for Atlético-MG, stating, "We have to improve and return to the form we showed at the start of the season. Our next match against Botafogo is crucial, and we hope to secure our first three points in the league." With the pressure mounting, both teams will need to regroup and focus on their upcoming challenges.
As the dust settles on this contentious match, fans are left buzzing about the rivalry, the performances, and the implications for both teams moving forward in the Campeonato Brasileiro. Can Santos build on this momentum, and will Atlético-MG find their footing in the league? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the rivalry between these two clubs is as fierce as ever.
