Santos are yet to find their stride in the Conmebol Sudamericana. The Brazilian side, featuring star Neymar, drew 1-1 with San Lorenzo and now sit bottom of their group.
San Lorenzo held Santos FC to a 1-1 draw on Tuesday in their third Group D match of the Conmebol Sudamericana. The fixture marked Neymar’s return to Argentinian soil after an 11-year absence.
Alexis Cuello opened the scoring for the hosts in the 27th minute, before Gabriel ‘Gabigol’ Barbosa levelled for the visitors six minutes later (33rd minute). This result leaves Argentinian side ‘El Ciclon’ on five points, while Brazilian outfit ‘Peixe’ managed just two points.
Neymar had previously made his sole appearance for Santos FC on Argentinian soil against Velez in 2012. His return to the country came 11 years after that match, following a 1-1 draw with the Brazilian national team on 13 November 2015 at the Estadio Monumental de Nunez.
Numerous neutral fans flocked to the Estadio Pedro Bidegain, eager to witness Neymar in action. The star, donning the number 10 shirt, played the entire match and offered glimpses of his renowned quality.
Both sides fashioned scoring opportunities before the breakthrough. First, Nicolas Tripichio fired a shot and Alexis Cuello unleashed a half-volley, both forcing saves from Gabriel Brazao. Then, Argentina’s Benjamin Rollheiser had a chance to score for Santos FC but squandered the opportunity.
In the 27th minute, following a clash of heads between Matias Reali and Neymar, Facundo Gulli then teed up Alexis Cuello, who made no mistake this time, breaking the deadlock for San Lorenzo.
Just six minutes later, however, a superb combination involving Benjamin Rollheiser, Neymar (who deftly evaded Tripichio), and Gabriel Barbosa culminated in ‘Gabigol’ firing a powerful cross-shot to secure the equaliser.
A Neymar shot that narrowly missed the near post, alongside other flashes of brilliance from the Brazilian star, comprised Santos FC’s main contributions for the remainder of the match.
For San Lorenzo, their intricate build-up play ultimately failed to supply Cuello, Rodrigo Auzmendi, or later substitutes Diego Herazo and Nahuel Barrios with sufficient chances.
Following the 1-1 draw, San Lorenzo now prepare for their fourth Group D fixture, an away trip to Deportivo Cuenca. Meanwhile, Santos FC will travel to Asuncion to face Recoleta, still hunting their first victory.
