Santos
Santos 2-2 Chapecoense: Late Neymar Drama Saves Hosts
Neymar converted an 89th-minute penalty to rescue a 2-2 draw for Santos against Chapecoense in a Serie A thriller that saw the visitors twice take the lead against the run of play. The Vila Belmiro erupted as their talisman kept his nerve after Chapecoense’s heroic resistance had been broken by a late handball.
Santos Dominate But Chapecoense Strike First
The hosts controlled 64% possession and fired 21 shots, but found themselves trailing against the odds when Marcinho pounced on Giovanni Augusto’s through ball to equalize just six minutes after halftime (51′). This cancelled out Neymar’s opener – a typically clinical finish from Barreal’s cutback (36′) that had seemed to set Santos on course for victory.
Chapecoense’s Defiant Rearguard
Chapecoense’s resistance turned to ecstasy when Joao Ananias’ calamitous own goal (62′) put them ahead against all statistical logic – their only two shots on target both finding the net. The visitors racked up four yellow cards as they fought to protect their lead, with Bruno Tubarao and Matheus Aurelio both booked for cynical fouls during Santos’ onslaught.
Neymar Has The Final Word
Just when Chapecoense’s heroic defensive effort seemed complete, a handball gave Santos their lifeline. Neymar stepped up to smash home the penalty (89′), his 12th goal of the season, sparking wild celebrations among the home fans who had endured 50 minutes of frustration since his first strike.
What This Result Means
The draw leaves Santos ruing two dropped points in their push for continental qualification, while Chapecoense will take immense pride from their organization and counterattacking threat. Both sides now face midweek fixtures knowing this result could define their seasons – Santos must rebound quickly, while Chapecoense have proven they can scrap with the league’s elite.
Key Moments
36′ ⚽ Santos — Neymar (assist: A. Barreal)
51′ ⚽ Chapecoense-sc — Marcinho (assist: Giovanni Augusto)
62′ ⚽ Chapecoense-sc — Joao Ananias
89′ ⚽ Santos — Neymar🔮 Before kick-off: our match preview & prediction.
