Ancelotti set the challenge – Neymar’s response could change everything
The Brazilian forward shows flashes of his old brilliance as he builds fitness and targets a place in the World Cup squad.
Carlo Ancelotti had made his expectations clear just hours before Neymar’s return, noting that the forward “is on the right track. He must continue this way and improve his condition” if he is to earn a call-up for Brazil’s World Cup squad in May. The Brazilian responded in the best possible way – on the field – delivering an eye-catching display in Santos’ 1-0 win over Atlético Mineiro.
The former Paris Saint-Germain player had missed Santos’ previous two games, sitting out the defeat to Flamengo through suspension and the match against Deportivo Cuenca for rest. Back in action, Neymar once again looked like a footballer rediscovering his rhythm, producing several moments of quality and reminding everyone of his exceptional touch and creativity on the ball. He combined well with teammates around the box and probed for openings, though he was unable to find the net.
The closest Santos came to scoring during his involvement saw Moisés finish after a clever pass from Gabigol – who had already found the net earlier in the first half – but the goal was ruled out for handball. Even without scoring, Neymar’s influence was evident throughout, as he dictated tempo and injected attacking intent.
With his sights firmly set on the World Cup, Neymar now faces a crucial run of games at home against Deportivo Recoleta in the Copa Sudamericana, Fluminense in the Brazilian league, and Coritiba in the Copa do Brasil. The expectation is that he will feature in all three as he looks to build match fitness and reach peak condition, determined to convince Ancelotti that he deserves a place in Brazil’s squad.
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- 77 Gabriel
- 4 Lucas Verissimo
- 31 Gonzalo Escobar
- 14 Luan Peres
- 18 Igor
- 48 Gustavo Henrique (55')
- 10 Neymar
- 15 Willian Arao
- 11 Rony (55')
- 49 Gabriel Bontempo (93')
- 9 Gabriel Barbosa (84')
- Substitutes
- 21 Moisés (55')
- 16 Thaciano (93')
- 30 Miguel Terceros
- 1 Diógenes
- 7 Robinho Júnior
- 98 Adonis Frias
- 19 Lautaro Díaz (84')
- 38 Rafael Gonzaga
- 32 Benjamín Rollheiser
- 28 Christian Oliva (55')
- 5 João Felipe
- 6 Ze Rafael
- 22 Everson
- 4 Ruan
- 13 Lyanco
- 16 Renan Augusto
- 2 Natanael (70')
- 25 Tomás Pérez (85')
- 28 Tomás Cuello
- 7 Hulk (79')
- 21 Alan Franco
- 30 Victor Hugo (85')
- 19 Reinier Carvalho (70')
- Substitutes
- 11 Bernard (70')
- 17 Igor Gomes
- 29 Cauã Soares (70')
- 39 Mamady Cissé
- 14 Vitor Hugo
- 92 Dudu (79')
- 1 Gabriel Delfim
- 10 Gustavo Scarpa
- 6 Junior Alonso
- 5 Alexsander (85')
- 9 Mateo Casierra (85')
- 8 Maycon de Andrade Barberan
Substitutions
Christian Oliva (55', Gustavo Henrique), Moisés (55', Rony), Cauã Soares (70', Reinier), Bernard (70', Natanael), Dudu (79', Hulk), Lautaro Díaz (84', Gabriel Barbosa), Alexsander (85', Tomás Pérez), Mateo Cassierra (85', Victor Hugo), Thaciano (93', Gabriel Bontempo)
Goals
1-0, 62': Moisés
Cards
Referee: Rafael Rodrigo Klein
VAR Referee: Rafael Traci, Luciano Roggenbaum
Gonzalo Escobar (9',Yellow), Gabriel Barbosa (20',Yellow), Stival (22',Yellow), Stival (22',Red), Luan Peres (30',Yellow), Lyanco (31',Yellow)
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