Vitor Roque shines for Palmeiras as Neymar-less Santos sink into relegation zone
Former Barcelona striker finds form back in Brazil while Santos struggle without their star man, as Brazilian league table begins to take shape after three rounds.
While one Brazilian talent finds his scoring boots back home, another watches his boyhood club struggle in his absence. Contrasting fortunes for two Samba stars as the Brazilian league season heats up.
Roque on the mark as Palmeiras go top
Former Barcelona and Real Betis striker Vitor Roque has wasted no time making an impact back in Brazil, scoring a crucial goal to help Palmeiras defeat Internacional 3-1 and climb to the top of the Brazilian league table after three rounds.
The victory puts Abel Ferreira’s men on seven points, level with São Paulo, Fluminense and Bahía at the summit, while reigning champions Flamengo sit three points behind after an inconsistent start.
Palmeiras took an early lead through Paraguayan captain Gustavo Gómez, who headed home from a corner. Internacional equalized before the break with a stunning long-range effort from midfielder Ronaldo, but Roque’s determination proved decisive after halftime.
The young striker, who endured a frustrating spell in Spain, showed his quality by powering into the box, outmuscling his marker, cutting past another defender and firing a shot that took a fortunate deflection past Uruguayan goalkeeper Sergio Rochet. Andreas Pereira later sealed the win with a third goal.
Santos in trouble without Neymar
While Roque celebrates, Santos are having a mare without their prodigal son Neymar. The historic club slumped to a 2-1 defeat against newly-promoted Athletico Paranaense, leaving them second-bottom of the table with just one point from three matches.
According to local reports, both Neymar and Gabriel ‘Gabigol’ Barbosa refused to play on the artificial turf at Arena da Baixada - a decision that backfired as Santos conceded a 91st-minute winner from Colombian forward Kevin Viveros.
Julimar had given the hosts the lead before Thaciano equalized for Santos, but the late heartbreak leaves Pelé’s former club in serious bother.
Relegation zone filled with giants
Santos aren’t the only big name facing early trouble. The relegation zone currently contains four of Brazil’s traditional powerhouses:
- Santos (19th, 1 point)
- Internacional (18th, 1 point)
- Vasco da Gama (17th, 1 point)
- Cruzeiro (16th, 1 point)
Other results
- Corinthians secured their first league win of the season, defeating Red Bull Bragantino 2-0 with goals from former Valencia defender Gabriel Paulista and Matheus Bidu
- São Paulo beat Gremio 2-0
- Fluminense edged Botafogo 1-0 in the Rio derby thanks to Argentine midfielder Luciano Acosta
- Bahía won 1-0 away at Vasco da Gama