Return to the pitch. Neymar plays his first match after injury

In the early hours of Monday, February 16, the eighth round of Brazil’s Paulista championship saw Santos host Velo Clube on home soil.

The hosts barely noticed their opponents. Within just 23 minutes, they had already found the net three times. Then, after the break, came the long-awaited comeback. In the 46th minute, Neymar entered the fray, having recovered from injury after missing ten matches.

Neymar quickly made his mark, registering a goal contribution with an assist for Gabriel. He helped steer his side to a commanding 6–0 victory.

Santos moved up to 12 points from eight matches and climbed to eighth place, a spot that secures a playoff berth. In the quarterfinals, the team will face Novorizontino.