He Saintscommanded by Neymarachieved a vital victory this Sunday for stay in the first division of Brazilian football. With a resounding 3-0 win over Cruzeiro on the last day of the Brazilian Championship, The São Paulo team dispelled the specter of relegation and closed the season with a long-awaited relief.
Peixe climbed to thirteenth place with 47 points thanks to a double from Thaciano and a goal from João Schmidt. The victory came after a year marked by constant pressure and the threat of returning to Serie B just one season after promotion.
With Vila Belmiro packed and fans that did not stop pushing, Santos showed intensity from the start and took total control of the match. Cruzeiro, which had already secured its third place and had nothing at stake in the table, never managed to slow down the rival’s pace. Their only warning came in the second half with a goal that ended up being disallowed for offside.
Neymar, still affected by a meniscus injurydid not want to miss the decisive duel. He tried several times from medium and short distance, although this time he failed to score.. Even so, his influence remains decisive: in the two previous games he registered an assist and four goals, a contribution that was worth six crucial points for permanence.
Before the opening whistle, the 33-year-old forward received a tribute for reaching 150 goals with the Santos shirt. The ’10’ thanked the gesture with words that moved the stadium: “It is the team of my heart,” he stated, also ensuring that he feels “very happy” for having reached that milestone. His future for next season remains unknown.
At the top of the table, Flamengo were proclaimed champions on Wednesday after beating Ceará, capping a perfect week after also winning the Copa Libertadores against Palmeiras. São Paulo, leader for several dates, finished second, three points behind the champion.
In the lower zone, Sport fell with 17 points; Youth with 35; and Fortaleza and Ceará, both with 43 units. For the next campaign, Coritiba, Athletico Paranaense, Chapecoense and Remo, who were promoted from the second division, return to Serie A.
Keep reading:
· Chaos at Neymar’s Santos: the coach is fired after suffering a 0-6 defeat
· Neymar’s Santos fires Pedro Caixinha as coach
· Brazil announces call-up with Neymar back for the Qualifiers