CONMEBOL Sudamericana
Santos vs Atlético Mineiro | HIGHLIGHTS | Gabigol shines as Neymar cheers from the stands
Santos struck first in the Copa Sudamericana quarterfinals with a 2-0 victory over Atlético Mineiro on a night when injured star Neymar watched and cheered on his teammates from the stands. On the field, Gabigol took center stage with two assists for goals from Willian Arão and Christian Oliva.
Cuca's side was more clinical in the decisive moments and will travel to Belo Horizonte with a two-goal advantage for the second leg.
Gabigol leads Santos with two assists
Atlético Mineiro made the stronger start and controlled possession in Santos' half for much of the opening 30 minutes, but struggled to turn that control into clear opportunities.
Santos had created little danger before finding the breakthrough from a set play.
Gabigol headed the ball toward Willian Arão, who finished inside the penalty area to put the hosts ahead.
The assistant referee initially disallowed the goal for a possible offside against Gabigol, but after a lengthy review, VAR determined that the goal should stand.
The opener changed the game. Santos began finding more space, with Benjamín Rollheiser coming close to doubling the lead before halftime.
Christian Oliva doubles Peixe's advantage
Santos increased the intensity after halftime and began creating chances consistently.
Goalkeeper Gabriel Delfim kept Atlético Mineiro in the game with three consecutive saves, but he eventually could not prevent the second goal.
Gabigol received the ball inside the area and produced an outside-of-the-foot assist to find Christian Oliva in front of goal.
The Uruguayan converted to make it 2-0, completing a night in which Gabigol was directly involved in both Santos goals.
Neymar watches Santos victory from the stands
The biggest absence on the field was Neymar, who was unable to play due to injury.
Santos' biggest star was still at the stadium and followed the match from the stands, cheering on his teammates during their quarterfinal first-leg victory.
With Neymar watching, Gabigol took responsibility in attack and played a decisive role in both goals that gave Peixe the advantage in the tie.
When is Atlético Mineiro vs Santos second leg?
Santos will take its 2-0 advantage to Belo Horizonte with a place in the semifinals at stake.
The second leg between Atlético Mineiro and Santos will be played on Wednesday, September 16.
Peixe will look to protect its advantage, while Atlético Mineiro needs a response to keep its Copa Sudamericana campaign alive.
