The Brazilian superstar, who has just announced he is no longer a national team player, is clearly frustrated.
Neymar was once again in the middle of the storm after yesterday’s cup drama – and had to be held back by security after provoking both Remo fans and referees.
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It was a tough affair for Santos in the Brazilian Cup, but thanks to Rony Rustico’s goal, they secured a 1-0 win and advancement to the quarter-finals. On aggregate, they won 1-0 after a goalless first leg.
For the first time in five years, Santos is through to the last eight. But the joy was quickly overshadowed by scenes after the end of the match – when Neymar took the celebration a few notches too far.
“Eliminado!” – and dance in front of your opponents
After leaving the pitch and entering the dressing room at the Estadio Mangueirão, Neymar quickly showed what the victory meant. He shouted “eliminado” (eliminated) at Remo’s officials – and received responses with insults and mocking gestures.
Then the Brazilian stepped up further: He slapped the Santos badge on his chest and started dancing in front of his opponents. Several Remo players then tried to climb over makeshift barriers to reach Neymar – before security personnel intervened and calmed the situation.
Red card and dramatic turnaround
The match was already tough. Remo was reduced to ten men after just 27 minutes when captain Marllon was sent off after a VAR review for pulling on Santos striker Gustavo Caballero.
Santos struggled to create chances, and coach Cuca made three substitutions at half-time – including Neymar and match-winner Rony.
Remo were dangerous, and Ze Welison hit the post with a free kick. But after 74 minutes, Neymar showed class: The 34-year-old veteran – who recently admitted that he is considering retiring when his contract expires in December – elegantly skipped past Ze Welison and added perfectly to Rony, who scored against his old club.
Hectic final minutes
The last 15 minutes were anything but calm. Ze Welison escaped a red card after elbowing Samuel Pierri, while Santos goalkeeper Gabriel Brazao saved brilliantly from Matheus Alexandre.
Neymar missed a great chance to make it 2-0, and the home side hit the post again through Vitor Bueno. But Santos held off – and Neymar made sure that no one in Remo forgot about it anytime soon.
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