A nocturnal showdown at Arena da Baixada saw Athletico Paranaense emerge victorious against Santos, clinching a 2-1 win on Thursday night in the third round of the Brasileirao.
The match kicked off with a bang, as Paranaense took the lead just 5 minutes into the game with Julimar converting a penalty. However, the visitors quickly responded, equalizing the score in the 18th minute through Thaciano’s effort, showcasing both teams’ attacking prowess.
As the match progressed and tensions rose, it was in the dying moments of the second half that Kevin Viveros became the hero. In the 90th minute, after receiving a pinpoint assist from Lucas Esquivel, Viveros found the back of the net with a precise shot that nestled into the bottom left corner, leaving Santos’ goalkeeper helpless.
Viveros’s performance earned him the title of standout player, contributing significantly with one goal. Julimar also shone for Paranaense, adding another tally to his team’s scorecard.
Coach Odair Hellmann’s tactical setup was a 5-2-3 formation, featuring Santos in goal; a defensive line consisting of Carlos Terán, Gastón Benavídez, Lucas Esquivel, Léo Derik, and Arthur Dias; with Bruno Zapelli and Juan Portilla anchoring the midfield, while Kevin Viveros, Stiven Mendoza, and Julimar led the attack.
On the other side, Santos, under Juan Pablo Vojvoda, opted for a 4-4-2 lineup with Gabriel Brazão guarding the goal, Zé Ivaldo, Vinicius Lira, Luan Peres, and Igor Vinícius in defense, João Schmidt, Gabriel Menino, Miguel Terceros, and Gabriel Bontempo controlling the midfield, and Rony and Thaciano up front.
The match was officiated by referee Ramon Abatti Abel, who kept the players in check throughout the game.
Looking ahead, Athletico Paranaense will face Corinthians at home in their next fixture, while Santos will host Vasco da Gama.
Following this result, Paranaense moves up to 6 points, placing them in third position, while Santos remains stuck at 1 point, sitting in 18th place in the league standings.
Substitutions for Athletico Paranaense
40’ 1T – Juan Portilla replaced by Luiz Gustavo
57’ 2T – Julimar replaced by Felipe Chiqueti
66’ 2T – Léo Derik replaced by Dudu Kogitzki
88’ 2T – Bruno Zapelli replaced by Jádson
Yellow Cards for Athletico Paranaense:
39’ 1T – Kevin Viveros
Substitutions for Santos:
58’ 2T – Miguel Terceros replaced by Moisés
67’ 2T – Gabriel Bontempo replaced by Álvaro Barreal
87’ 2T – Rony and Thaciano replaced by João Basso and Lautaro Díaz respectively
Yellow Cards for Santos:
26’ 1T – Gabriel Bontempo
28’ 2T – Igor Vinícius
48’ 2T – Vinicius Lira