Gabigol brace fires Santos past São Paulo before Flamengo clash | OneFootball

Flamengo and Santos face each other next Thursday (08), at Vila Belmiro

Santos are on the rise in the Brasileirão. This Friday (02), the Vila Belmiro side came from behind to beat São Paulo 2-1 at Morumbi. The clash took place in a postponed match from the 21st round of the competition. The standout player was Gabigol, who scored twice.

With the result, Santos, who had already battled relegation in this Brasileirão, jumped to seventh place with 41 points. On the other hand, São Paulo are now the ones looking nervously at the bottom four, stuck on 36 points, seven above the relegation zone.

THE MATCH

The derby began as an open end-to-end contest, with both teams attacking and leaving spaces at the back. In the 34th minute, Lucas Veríssimo gave away a penalty. From the spot, Luciano opened the scoring for São Paulo at Morumbi, sparking huge celebrations from the home fans.

However, while the Tricolors were still celebrating, Gabigol silenced Morumbi. In the 36th minute, Gonzalo Escobar crossed from the left, and the former Flamengo striker headed it into the corner past goalkeeper Rafael. All square, and Gabriel Barbosa had his moment to celebrate.

At halftime, coach Cuca handed Philippe Coutinho his debut. And the former Vasco idol proved decisive. Nine minutes into the second half, the midfielder played a brilliant pass to Everton Cebolinha, who burst forward. The former Flamengo player then found Gabigol on the right, and the Rubro-Negro idol showed great composure to cut past the opposing defense and finish with class.

With the goal, Gabriel now has 23 goals and nine assists in 43 appearances this year. In the Brasileirão alone, he has 13 goals and three assists in 20 matches. Gabi is enjoying a great season so far.

ABSENCES AGAINST FLAMENGO

Santos faced São Paulo with six players one booking away from suspension, but none received a yellow card, and all are available to face Flamengo. On the other hand, defensive midfielder Arthur asked to be substituted with muscle pain in his left thigh and will be reassessed during the week.

Everton Cebolinha, due to contractual issues with Flamengo, will not be able to play on Thursday (08). Aside from that, the players called up by their national teams remain doubts: Caballero (Paraguay national team), Miguelito (Bolivia national team), Gabriel Bontempo (Brazil national team), João Pedro (Brazil U-20 national team), and João Ananias (Brazil U-20 national team). The team’s star, Neymar, is racing against time to leave the medical department.

IN SHORT, SANTOS X FLAMENGO

With former Flamengo players Willian Arão, Rodinei, and Gabigol available, Santos host the Brasileirão leaders from 7:30 p.m. (Brasília time) next Thursday (08), in the 29th round. If Mengão are on the pitch, then Coluna do Fla will have full coverage, straight from Baixada Santista.

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