Neymar endures pain yet scores a hat-trick to rescue Santos

Injured, rejecting surgery, playing and scoring repeatedly. Neymar Jr is making every effort to ensure his boyhood team remains in Brazil’s premier competition.

Santos has sparked great hope in the Brasileirao relegation battle by defeating Juventude 3-0 in round 37, a match where Neymar shone brilliantly with a classy hat-trick. This crucial victory allows 'Peixe' to enter the final round with high confidence and full control over their fate.

Playing away at Alfredo Jaconi before over 15,000 spectators, Santos started under heavy pressure. Although Juventude, with little motivation left, surprisingly dominated most of the first half, even scoring a goal that was disallowed for offside after a Taliari shot. Meanwhile, Santos struggled to create chances, and Guilherme’s missed clear opportunity heightened fans’ anxiety.

However, everything changed completely in the second half. Guilherme sparked the breakthrough with a skillful play, assisting Neymar’s goal in the 54th minute. This opener not only eased Santos’ pressure but also ignited confidence throughout the team.

From then on, Neymar became the focal point of the game. In the 65th minute, during a swift counterattack, the Brazilian star surged forward and confidently doubled the lead to 2-0. Juventude visibly lost morale while Santos played more fluidly and assertively.

Shortly after, VAR intervened when Lautaro Díaz was fouled inside the box. Referee Wilton Pereira Sampaio awarded a penalty to Santos, and Neymar calmly converted it to complete his hat-trick in the 73rd minute. This was Neymar’s first three-goal game since April 2022, indicating he is regaining his top scoring form.

In the remaining minutes, Santos maintained dominance and denied any comeback chances for the opponent. When the final whistle blew, players and fans erupted in joy, as this win was vital for the relegation fight.

With these valuable 3 points along with Neymar’s impressive form, Santos enters round 38 with strong determination. They know that by controlling their own destiny and achieving a favorable result, the club will remain in Brazil’s top league for another season. This will surely serve as a powerful morale booster for Santos in the decisive final match.

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