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Brazilian superstar Neymar answered his critics with a match-winning performance as Santos booked their place in the Copa do Brasil quarter-finals with a 1-0 victory over Remo on Tuesday night.
Neymar had come under heavy criticism for taking part in a poker tournament following Brazil’s disappointing World Cup campaign. However, the forward made an immediate impact after coming on as a second-half substitute at the Mangueirão Stadium.
The match began at a high tempo, with both sides creating early chances. Santos threatened through Gabriel Menino, while Remo responded with opportunities for Alef Manga and Jajá but failed to find the breakthrough.
The turning point came in the 27th minute when Remo defender Marlon was initially shown a yellow card for fouling Cabarelli just outside the penalty area. After reviewing the incident with VAR, referee Anderson Daronco upgraded the punishment to a straight red card, reducing the hosts to 10 men.
Despite their numerical advantage, Santos failed to score before halftime.
Coach Cuca introduced Neymar at the start of the second half, and the Brazilian forward soon made the decisive contribution. In the 74th minute, he won possession with a perfectly timed tackle on Remo midfielder J. Wellison before surging down the left flank. Neymar then delivered a precise pass into the box for Rony, who calmly slotted home the only goal of the match.
Remo pushed hard for an equaliser despite being a man down. They came close in the closing stages when Vitor’s free-kick struck the post, allowing Santos to hold on for the victory.
The win sends Santos into the quarter-finals of the Copa do Brasil and secures prize money of four million Brazilian reais. Their next opponent will be determined in the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) draw.
Santos will next face Athletico-PR at Vila Belmiro on Sunday.