Analysis: Neymar the hero at the right moment, but Santos must stay focused | OneFootball

By Rodrigo Matuck

Santos is almost confirmed in the Série A of the 2026 Brazilian Championship. The 3-0 victory over Juventude this Wednesday left the club just one step away from remaining in the top flight. But it’s important to note that nothing is certain yet, and for that reason, Peixe cannot lose focus.

Since the start of the season, the Alvinegro Praiano has shown serious difficulties in doing its homework. There have been several rounds of the Brasileirão where the team depended solely on itself to move away from the relegation zone, but stumbled and remained threatened.

This Wednesday, it seemed like the same scenario would repeat itself. While their rivals were losing their respective matches, Santos also struggled to break the 0-0 deadlock against already relegated Juventude.

Then, Neymar appeared. The attacking midfielder became the hero at the right moment. Even with an injured knee, the star is making a difference. After a good match against Sport, the number 10 put on a show in Caxias do Sul, scoring three goals.

With the win, Santos jumped to 14th place, with 44 points, opening up a two-point lead over Vitória, who are at the top of the relegation zone. Other results in the round also helped: defeats for Vitória (4-0 to Red Bull Bragantino) and Internacional (3-0 to São Paulo).

A draw in the last round, against Cruzeiro at Vila Belmiro, will basically keep Peixe from returning to Série B. But Juan Pablo Vojvoda’s team needs to be smart not to repeat the mistakes of the past. If they go onto the field thinking they’re already safe, they could take an unnecessary risk.

Santos needs to stay focused until the final whistle, and only then celebrate staying up.

Santos’ next match

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This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.