Santos 3-1 Água Santa
Neymar scores and assists in Santos' first win since his return (3-1)
The 'Prince' scored from the penalty spot after causing it himself in a great individual play. Later, he gave a goal pass to his teammate Guilherme to close the score
Neymar is starting to get back into shape on his return to Brazil. The striker played his fourth consecutive match, his third as a starter, with Santos in the early hours of Sunday morning. He faced Água Santa from the Série D, the fourth division of the Brasileirao. This match, corresponding to the tenth round of the Campeonato Paulista, was the first victory that O menino da vila was able to celebrate with his team. He also contributed a goal and an assist so that 'O Peixe' took the victory at home (3-1).
The former Barcelona player is starting to accumulate good feelings on the pitch. After a dull debut, against Botafogo, and a somewhat better second match against Novorizontino, he managed to complete a remarkable match against Memphis Depay's Corinthians. However, the results were two draws and one defeat, something that complicated the team's situation in the Paulistao. Finally, the fourth time was the charm, as 'Ney' had his first great game and was key in his team's victory. These are three key points, as they return Santos to first place in their group.
Neymar's game against Água Santa
For the third time in a row, the Mogi das Cruzes native was placed as a midfielder in the starting eleven. However, his freedom of movement allowed him to play on the left wing as his main area of play. It was the game in which he spent the most minutes on the pitch, 85. Pedro Caixinha, his coach, is making sure to ration his playing time with the aim of gradually getting him into shape. The 'Prince' touched the ball 74 times and lost it on 17 occasions. He had a pass accuracy of 87%, made 5 key passes, one assist and scored a goal, from a penalty, which he caused after a great individual play.
Santos' number '10' also won 46% of the duels he played and completed 3 of the 7 dribbles he attempted. Although he still has to get into competitive rhythm, he is starting to make a good impression on the pitch. His plan is to return to the Brazilian national team in March's matches corresponding to the qualification for the 2026 World Cup. In the same way, he wants to earn a return to Europe, where he prioritizes Barça. Therefore, he will have to work hard to achieve his objectives.
