Diógenes takes his chance and gains ground at Santos: “work hard” | OneFootball

Santos beat São Paulo 2-1 this Friday, the 2nd, at Morumbi, in a postponed match from the 20th round of the Brazilian Championship. Gabigol decided the derby with two goals, but the win also had an important figure at the other end of the field: Diógenes.

The goalkeeper made the most of the opportunity he was given and left the stadium with a positive answer in one of the most demanding matches of the season. Luciano put São Paulo ahead, but Santos responded in the first half and came from behind to win.

Diógenes had to deal with the pressure from the home team and remained solid throughout the match. His performance was even more significant because of the responsibility of replacing first-choice goalkeeper Gabriel Brazão.

The win took Santos to 41 points, in seventh place, and kept the team in the race for a higher spot in the table. The result also gives the squad confidence for another major test, against Flamengo, on Thursday, at Vila Belmiro.

The responsibility of replacing Gabriel Brazão

After the derby, Diógenes acknowledged how difficult it is to fill Gabriel Brazão’s place. “Replacing a goalkeeper of Brazão’s caliber is very difficult, you have to work very hard to be at his level,” he said in an interview with Sportv, before continuing:

“It wasn’t very clear who was going to play. João (Paulo) also worked hard to get his opportunity. I’m very grateful to the coaching staff and the board; defending Santos’ shirt is difficult, and I’m happy to receive this opportunity,” he concluded.

The performance at Morumbi does not automatically change the pecking order, but it strengthens Diógenes in the internal competition. In a season with a packed schedule, Santos gains a prepared alternative to take over the position when needed.

Santos face another heavyweight opponent

The next challenge will be even greater. Santos host Flamengo on Thursday at Vila Belmiro, while São Paulo visit Cruzeiro on Wednesday at Mineirão. With 41 points, Santos are in seventh place. São Paulo remain on 36 and sit 11th.

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