Analysis The numbers behind the result
Santos clinical despite Internacional's chaotic fightback
Santos' 3-2 win flattered Internacional, who were outplayed for large periods despite the narrow margin. The visitors' 59% possession translated into just 5 total shots, but 3 on target yielded 3 goals — a ruthlessly clinical conversion rate compared to Internacional’s 15 shots (6 on target) for 2 goals. Gabriel Barbosa’s early brace (8’, 29’ pen) and Christian Oliva’s 39th-minute strike punished Internacional’s defensive disorganisation, particularly after Matheus Bahia’s 28th-minute red card.
Internacional’s response came via substitutes Brian Aguirre (48’) and Bruno Henrique (90+1’ pen), but their 7 corners and 41% possession produced only 2 big chances. Santos, by contrast, needed no second invitations — their 3 on-target shots all found the net despite a quieter second half. The decisive stat: Internacional’s numerical disadvantage forced them into 18 fouls and 13% less possession, allowing Santos to pick their moments precisely.