📹 Neymar returns to action, but Santos knocked out by CRB in Copa do Brasil | OneFootball

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On this Thursday (22), Santos lost to CRB on penalties by 5 x 4, after 0 x 0 in regular time, at the Rei Pelé Stadium, for the return match of the third phase of the Copa do Brasil 2025.

The decision went to penalties because, in the first leg, the score was 1 x 1.

The first half was balanced.

CRB had two clear chances, but were stopped by goalkeeper Gabriel Brazão.

And Santos also arrived twice with danger.

Gabriel Brazão made another great save at the beginning of the second half, before the "game changed".

That's because, 20 minutes into the second half, Neymar replaced Rollheiser and played a Copa do Brasil match again after 12 years.

The number 10 shirt star had not taken the field since April 16 (36 days), when he got injured in the 2 x 0 victory over Atlético-MG - the first and only victory of Santos in the Brasileirão.

And why did Neymar "change the game"? Simply because, in his first two touches on the ball, the star put his teammates in clear chances to open the score.

The final stretch was even more exciting.

After Mikael (41') missed the goal under the post, without a goalkeeper, Neymar (42') shook in front of the mark and gave a "snooker touch", in the corner, for a spectacular save by Matheus Albino.

⚽ Penalties

Santos: Neymar, Tomás Rincón, Tiquinho Soares, Gabriel Bontempo scored; Guilherme and Ze Ivaldo missed

CRB: Meritão, Matheus Ribeiro, Segovia, Henri, Weverton converted; Fernando Henrique missed

🚦 What happens now

With the result, Santos said goodbye to the Copa do Brasil 2025 and now only plays the Brasileirão.

CRB, on the other hand, advanced to the round of 16 and will know its opponent after a draw by CBF.

Santos will play again next Sunday (25), when they visit Vitória, at Barradão, for the tenth round of the Brasileirão 2025.

📸 Buda Mendes - 2025 Getty Images