The Night Santos Finally Breathed Again

Santos and Neymar avoided relegation on the final matchday of the Brasileirão with a decisive 3–0 victory over Cruzeiro at Vila Belmiro. Powered by a brace from Thaciano and another goal from João Schmidt, the team climbed to 13th place with 47 points, escaping a season-long nightmare that nearly sent them back to the second division.

Just a year after earning promotion, the club lived in constant fear of going back down. But when the moment demanded urgency, Santos delivered with intensity, personality and resilience.

A Fired-Up Santos and a Helpless Cruzeiro

With Vila Belmiro packed to the rafters, the atmosphere was electric as Santos grabbed control from the opening whistle.

Cruzeiro, already secure in third place and with nothing on the line, simply could not match the home side’s intensity. Even when they momentarily reacted in the second half, their lone goal was overturned for offside — another sign that the night seemed destined to belong to Santos.

Neymar Plays Through Pain and Leads Again

Despite dealing with a meniscus injury, Neymar refused to miss the biggest match of the year. He took several shots from distance, energized his teammates and acted as the emotional leader Santos needed at its most fragile moment.

Since returning in February, injuries have constantly slowed him down — yet his impact has been undeniable: four goals and one assist in his last games, accounting for half of his league tally and crucial points in the club’s survival.

He was honored before kickoff for reaching 150 goals with Santos, though his plans for next season remain a mystery.

A Saved Season but an Uncertain Future

Relegation has been avoided, but questions linger. Will Neymar stay after guiding this miracle escape?
Santos can finally breathe. 

So can the No. 10. But the story isn’t finished yet.