On Neymar’s return, CRB wins on penalties and eliminates Santos in the Brazilian Cup
In a packed Rei Pelé Stadium, teams draw 0-0 in normal time with brilliant goalkeepers, and Matheus Albino becomes the hero of the classification
The game
CRB made history at the Rei Pelé Stadium. With Neymar back, the team from Maceió qualified for the round of 16 of the Copa do Brasil and eliminated Santos on penalties, after a 0-0 draw in normal time. After a balanced first half, the goalkeepers from both teams stood out with incredible saves in the second half. In the penalty shootout, Matheus Albino became the hero of the qualifying round by saving Zé Ivaldo’s shot, closing the penalty score at 5-4. CRB advanced to the next stage of the competition and reached the sixth match without losing. Santos, in turn, suffered the seventh consecutive match without winning.
Neymar’s return
Neymar returned to the field 36 days after his last match, which had been against Atlético-MG, in the Brazilian Championship, on April 16. He recovered from his second muscle injury since joining Santos. He came on in the 20th minute of the second half and set the game on fire, creating opportunities in succession for Santos. But neither in creating nor finishing the ball was the star able to get Peixe moving on the scoreboard.
I know that things are different when I’m on the field. You saw that in 20 or 25 minutes I can make a difference. I know I can help my teammates. This is my first game back in a long time. But it can’t just depend on me. Everyone knows the situation we’re in, and we need all the players to get out of this situation — said the number 10 in an interview as he left the field.
Heroic rating
Matheus Albino joined CRB’s idols on an inspired night. In a second half in which Santos created more goal chances after Neymar came on, the goalkeeper made seven saves and stopped Santos’ big chances, ensuring a 0-0 draw. Gabriel Brazão also saved Peixe in good plays created by CRB. In the penalty shootout, however, Matheus Albino made the difference. In the alternating penalties, Weverton converted for CRB and Matheus Albino saved Zé Ivaldo’s shot, being applauded by the Alagoan fans at the Rei Pelé Stadium.
First half
It was a balanced first half. Santos started better, with more possession of the ball and dominating the offensive actions, even putting all the players in the attacking field. But CRB, from the middle of the first half, started to approach with danger. The team from Alagoas had two clear chances to score and forced goalkeeper Gabriel Brazão to make great saves. Peixe, which had been lacking in the final third of the field in previous matches, managed nine shots, two of which were on target. CRB had three shots, two of which were on target.
Second half
In the second half, Santos began to create more scoring chances, especially after Neymar came on in the 20th minute. In about two minutes, the Santos number 10 created three clear opportunities, which were stopped by the excellent performance of goalkeeper Matheus Albino. CRB did not shy away and also scared Peixe, with offensive attacks that forced goalkeeper Gabriel Brazão to make decisive saves, avoiding defeat in regular time. In the final stretch, Mikael missed an unbelievable goal under the crossbar. The following minute, Neymar shot low and was stopped by the opposing goalkeeper. With the score at 0-0 and a draw in the first leg, the decision was made by penalties.
