In Neymar’s final match at Vila Belmiro before Carlo Ancelotti’s World Cup squad announcement, the No. 10 scored the opening goal as Santos defeated Red Bull Bragantino 2-0 on Sunday in the 15th round of the Brasileirão.
The result ended Santos’ seven-game winless streak, lifting them to 18 points and giving them some breathing room above the relegation zone. Bragantino, coming off a 6-0 thrashing of Blooming in the Copa Sudamericana, disappointed and remained stuck on 20 points.
“Happy with the goal and especially with returning to victory. Today I couldn’t let it slip,” Neymar told Premiere as he left the pitch.
The hosts started the match with strong attacking pressure. Within the first five minutes, Neymar was already protesting two penalty appeals for Santos, who imposed their game in the first half.
Bragantino had some attacking opportunities but were ineffective in finishing. With greater control, Santos missed a golden chance at the 45th minute when Bontempo shot wide from inside the area after a one-two with Rolheiser.
However, Santos found the net in stoppage time. Neymar started the move from midfield, passing to Bontempo, who fed Rolheiser. The ball was left for Neymar, who calmly finished into the back of the net at 49 minutes. He celebrated with his mother, Nadine.
In the second half, Bragantino continued to struggle with their marking. Neymar had time and space to set up a right-footed shot from inside the area at seven minutes, but sent it wide. Santos doubled their lead at the 30th minute through defender Adonis Frias. After Barreal’s challenge in the rival area, the ball fell to Frias, who controlled and fired across goal to extend the lead.
The only Santos player to receive a yellow card, Neymar was substituted at 35 minutes for Gabigol. The No. 10 was applauded by the small crowd of just over 6,000 paying fans at Vila Belmiro.
Both teams return to action on Wednesday in the Copa do Brasil. Santos face Coritiba at Couto Pereira, while Bragantino are visitors against Mirassol. Then, Cuca’s side will again face the Paraná team at Neo Química Arena, Corinthians’ home, in the 16th Brasileirão round on Sunday. Bragança Paulista’s team hosts Vitória.
The following day, Ancelotti will announce the World Cup squad, ending the saga of whether Neymar will make his fourth World Cup appearance.
MATCH FACTS
SANTOS 2 X 0 RED BULL BRAGANTINO
SANTOS: Diógenes; Igor Vinícius, Lucas Veríssimo, Adonis Frías, Escobar; João Schmidt, Oliva (William Arão), Rolheiser (Miguelito), Barreal (Moisés); Neymar (Gabigol), Gabriel Bontempo (Rony). Coach: Cuca.
RED BULL BRAGANTINO: Tiago Volpi; Hurtado, Alix Vinícius, Gustavo Marques, Juninho Capixaba; Gabriel (Rodriguinho), Ignacio Sosa (Eric Ramires), Lucas Barbosa; Herrera (Eduardo Sasha), Isidro Pitta, Henry Mosquera (Fernando). Coach: Vagner Mancini.
REFEREE: Alex Gomes Stefano (RJ).
GOALS: Neymar at 49′ of first half; Adônis Frias at 30′ of second half.
YELLOW CARDS: Lucas Barbosa, Isidro Pitta, Gabriel, Alix Vinícius (Bragantino); Neymar (Santos).
INCOME: R$ 375,855.40.
ATTENDANCE: 6,291 paying fans.
VENUE: Vila Belmiro.
