In a vibrant clash during the 16th round of the Brasileirao, Internacional came away with three valuable points, defeating Santos 2-1. The match saw Inter take control early on, going ahead 2-0, thanks to goals from Johan Carbonero at the 8th minute and Rafael Santos Borré in the 74th minute. Santos managed to pull one back just before halftime with a strike from Álvaro Barreal in the 45th minute.
The Santos attack pressured throughout the match, but their efforts fell short. Notably, Deivid Washington struck the post twice, which prevented a potential comeback. Despite outshooting Internacional 20 to 10, Santos only managed to put 9 shots on target, with others going off target or hitting the woodwork.
Victor Gabriel played a key role in defense for Internacional, successfully clearing 7 threats. Another standout was Johan Carbonero, who not only scored but also attempted two more shots on goal.
Santos’s coach, Cléber Xavier, set up a 4-3-3 formation with Gabriel Brazão in goal; Gonzalo Escobar, João Basso, Luan Peres, and Souza forming the defense; João Schmidt, Zé Rafael, and Neymar in midfield; and a front three of Benjamín Rollheiser, Deivid Washington, and Guilherme.
On the other side, Internacional, managed by Roger Machado, also utilized a 4-3-3 format featuring Sergio Rochet in goal; Braian Aguirre, Vitão, Victor Gabriel, and Alexandro Bernabei in defense; Bruno Henrique, Thiago Maia, and Alan Patrick in midfield; and a forward line of Wesley, Rafael Santos Borré, and Johan Carbonero.
Referee Lucas Torezin officiated the match.
Looking ahead, Santos will face Sport Recife away, while Internacional is set to host Vasco da Gama. Following this match, Santos remains in 17th place in the standings with 14 points, while Internacional climbs to 10th place with 20 points.
Substitutions for Santos
14’ 1T – Guilherme was replaced by Álvaro Barreal
45’ 2T – Zé Rafael was replaced by Gabriel Bontempo
62’ 2T – Deivid Washington was replaced by Luca Meirelles
76’ 2T – Gonzalo Escobar was replaced by Robinho Júnior
Yellow Cards for Santos:
36’ 1T – Souza (Holding an opponent), 36’ 2T – João Basso (Arguing with an opponent), 37’ 2T – Igor Vinícius (Unsporting behavior), 48’ 2T – Gil (Insulting the referee)
Substitutions for Internacional
58’ 2T – Johan Carbonero was replaced by Bruno Tabata, and Bruno Henrique was replaced by Luis Otávio.
75’ 2T – Rafael Santos Borré was replaced by Enner Valencia; Benjamín Rollheiser was replaced by Igor Vinícius; Thiago Maia was replaced by Diego Rosa.
86’ 2T – Wesley was replaced by Alan Benítez.
Yellow Cards for Internacional:
12’ 1T – Vitão (Holding an opponent), 36’ 2T – Enner Valencia (Arguing with an opponent)