· 2 min readIn this Vasco da Gama vs Santos match, I analyse the key tactical moments, individual performances and turning points of the game.
Brazilian football has many important games throughout the season, but few carry the weight of this Vasco da Gama vs Santos. Anyone looking at the table saw two giant clubs fighting to escape the relegation zone. Santos came into the game in 17th, Vasco in 18th, both on 22 points. A draw was a bad result for both.
Vasco started better. During the opening minutes, there was practically only one team with the ball. After 8 minutes, possession was already at 87% for the home side, an absurd number even considering how little time had been played. The feeling was clear: Vasco wanted to take control.
In the 13th minute, Andrés Gómez found himself in a central position and shot over. Shortly afterwards, the first truly clear chance of the game arrived, but at the other end. Gabigol found himself through after a headed pass and was left with only Leonardo Jardim in front of him. The shot went well wide. It was almost a guaranteed goal and a huge miss.
Jair’s injury didn’t help Vasco either. The team continued to have more of the ball, reaching 80% possession at certain moments and continuing to push Santos back, but creating danger was something completely different. Santos seemed to accept that scenario almost intentionally.
I’m not sure I liked that approach. Neymar and Gabigol were doing the bare minimum when it came to pressing and the idea seemed to be to let Vasco play. If the plan worked, it would be Santos’ credit. If it failed, it would be a serious problem. For a long time, it looked more like a consequence of Vasco’s lack of attacking quality than an inspired strategy.
Every Santos attack went through Neymar. He’s no longer that unstoppable player in dribbling and one-on-one situations, but the vision is still there. His ability to find spaces and create plays is still different.
Píton was one of Vasco’s most dangerous players and forced Brazão into a good save. In the 44th minute, a corner taken by Neymar ended with an unlikely header from Caballero hitting the crossbar. If that ball had gone in, we’d be talking about one of the goals of the round.
The second half started evenly, with plenty of technical mistakes. In the 47th minute, Vasco had a huge opportunity. After Brazão’s save, Tchê Tchê received the ball in a great position, drove forward and shot well over. He had to hit the target.
In the 68th minute, Pumita hit the post and it looked like Vasco’s goal was close. Seconds later, exactly the opposite happened. Rollheiser won the ball in the air, found Gabigol making the run and the striker didn’t waste his second chance. A composed finish and 0-1.
In the 77th minute, Neymar delivered a free kick from the side and Leo Jardim dealt with it in the worst possible way, accidentally hitting Willian Arão. A completely fortuitous goal, but one that practically decided the game. 0-2.
In the 81st minute, Neymar appeared again. His shot forced Leo Jardim into a save, but the ball stayed in front of goal and Luan Peres followed up to make it 0-3. Santos were living a dream.
Vasco’s fans started chanting “shameful team” and the boos directed at Leo Jardim towards the end summed up the night perfectly.
Post-match
Santos’ first away win of the season came precisely in Neymar’s first game as a visitor in the Brasileirão. Coincidence or not, the team showed something different. Neymar’s performance wasn’t brilliant, but his presence completely changed the way Santos attacked.
