Rolheiser’s goal in the 45th minute of the second half lifted Santos out of the relegation zone in the Brazilian Championship with a 1-0 win over Palmeiras at Vila Belmiro on Saturday night (15th). After two consecutive defeats, Abel Ferreira’s side are now three points behind leaders Flamengo on 69 points.
This Saturday’s match took effect in the 13th round, which was postponed due to the Club World Cup.
The two teams played against each other at the Allianz Parque on the 6th, with Palmeiras winning 2-0. Vitor Roque, who scored two goals, will represent Brazil in friendly matches against Senegal and Tunisia.
At Vila Belmiro, Santos was supported by Neymar, who refused to play on Allianz’s artificial pitch. Juan Pablo Vojvoda had tested Neymar as a centre-forward at times, but Neymar had a cautious night, both with the ball at his feet and when firing at his teammates.
Santos fans, frightened by the possibility of a return to Serie B, were abuzz even before the ball rolled, singing the Night of War chorus. The Black and White team tried to respond by holding onto the ball, but struggled to break through Palmeiras’ defensive block.
Santos and Barreal had the main scoring chances in the 20th minute of the match. Barral entered the area and forced a save from Carlos Miguel with his left foot towards goal.
Abel Ferreira returned in the second half to replace Bruno Rodriguez and Felipe Andersson, bringing on Flaco López and Lugi respectively. After the suffocation in the first stage, the situation became even more dangerous for the Albiverde team.
When the match started, Vojvoda dropped midfielder Zé Raphael and brought on midfielder Rolheiser in the 41st minute of the final stage. Four minutes later, Rolheiser secured the victory with a goal after receiving the ball inside the area from Robinho Junior.
Santos finished in 16th place with 36 points, ahead of Vitoria.
Palmeiras will return to action against Vitoria on Wednesday (19th) at 7pm at the Allianz Parque. On the same day, Santos will host Mirasol at Vila Belmiro from 9:30 p.m.
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