Santos Struggles Continue as Athletico Claims 2-0 Victory
Santos faced another setback in the Brasileirão, suffering a 2-0 defeat to Athletico at Vila Belmiro this past Sunday (9). The team, known as Peixe, could not capitalize on their recent successes in the Copa Sudamericana and Copa do Brasil, returning to the bottom four of the league standings.
Star player Neymar was unavailable due to suspension, which added to Santos’ challenges. Athletico’s Viveros, the league’s leading scorer, made a significant impact, scoring both goals despite his team’s recent elimination from the Copa do Brasil.
Viveros began the match tied with Pedro, who played for Flamengo, both having netted 12 goals. He opened the scoring in the 14th minute after a scramble in the box. The second goal came in the 26th minute, with a swift counterattack and a pass from João Cruz that allowed Viveros to celebrate again. This brought his tally to 14 goals in the Brasileirão.
Santos held more possession throughout the game, reaching up to 70%, but struggled to convert this into productive opportunities. Following halftime, coach Cuca introduced more attacking players to enhance their chances, but the team remained ineffective, facing a persistent challenge from Athletico.
Despite some pressure, Athletico managed to withstand Santos’ attempts and even saw a Benavídez goal ruled out. Santos now sits at 22 points, confirmed in 17th place, just above the relegation zone.
Looking ahead, Santos will shift their focus to the Copa Sudamericana, gearing up for a match against Ecuador’s Macará on Thursday (13), marking the first leg of the round of 16. Meanwhile, Athletico has moved to 40 points, closely trailing Flamengo, and will next compete on Saturday (15) against Red Bull Bragantino.
Santos secured important qualification spots in the Copa Sudamericana and the Copa do Brasil.
But they still haven’t managed the expected turnaround in the Brasileirão.
Without Neymar, who was serving a suspension, Peixe were beaten 2-0 by Athletico right at Vila Belmiro this Sunday (9).
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And they are back in the bottom four.
Once again the outright top scorer in the Brasileirão, Viveros made all the difference for Furacão, who were coming off elimination in the Copa do Brasil.
Check out the highlights soon.
The race is on! 🔥
Viveros started Sunday level with Pedro on 12 goals, with Pedro in action for Flamengo.
He opened the scoring as early as the 14th minute. A scramble in the box, and the Colombian found the net.
The second for the red-and-black No. 9 came in the 26th minute.
Counterattack and a pass from João Cruz for Viveros to burst forward and then celebrate.
That now makes 14 Brasileirão goals for him.
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Santos had more possession, but it wasn’t productive.
Pressure and… a CAP win
Santos really did try after the break.
Cuca kept adding firepower up front, making Peixe more attack-minded.
But even with possession reaching 70%, it was ineffective.
Viveros remained a torment. Benavídez even scored before the goal was ruled out.
Furacão even “lived dangerously” by inviting their rivals into their own half, but withstood Santos’ attempts and responded in style after bowing out of the Copa do Brasil.
📊 Standings and schedule 📅
Santos stay on 22 points. And their drop to 17th place was confirmed.
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They are the team sitting just inside the relegation zone.
They now turn their focus to the Copa Sudamericana.
They will face Ecuador’s Macará on Thursday (13).
It will be the first leg of the round of 16.
As for Furacão, they moved on to 40 points. And they are right on Flamengo’s heels, with Flamengo currently winning.
They will only play again on Saturday (15), when they host Red Bull Bragantino.
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.
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