Decisive figure drives Santos with creative display against Chapecoense | OneFootball

Alvaro Barreal fashioned the opener in the 36th minute with a precise assist, setting Santos up for a 2-2 draw with Chapecoense. His distribution repeatedly tilted the game in Santos' favour.

Barreal's early impact told. He slipped the pass that freed Neymar to finish (36.), breaking Chape's compact shape and giving Peixe a platform.

After the restart he threatened himself with a blocked effort from the edge (67.). He then delivered a teasing cross that Gabriel Barbosa headed off target (72.), before whipping in the corner that João Ananias nodded over (75.).

The winger's numbers underlined his influence: four key passes, three accurate crosses from eight attempts and 27 successful final third passes. He also won possession six times, keeping Alvinegro Praiano on the front foot.

Because he kept finding pockets down the left and attacking the inside channel, his timing and variety of delivery repeatedly forced Verdão do Oeste to retreat and protected Peixe's territory in the decisive moments.

Peixe rise from 15th to 14th in the Brasileirão and host UCV in the CONMEBOL Sudamericana next, while Chape remain 20th and host Cruzeiro in the Copa do Brasil.