With 2-0 at Couto Pereira, the ordeal has come to an end and fans can once again beat their chests and speak loudly: we have an elite team
O is back in Series A. There were 340 days of anguish, suffering, sadness, anxiety and shame. The pain of relegation and of being forced to compete in the astonishing Series B came to an end this Monday in Curitiba. The tears of that December 6th, with a 2-1 defeat against Fortaleza, in the middle of Vila Belmiro, turned into tears of joy and relief. And smiles of happiness. With 2-0 at Couto Pereira, the ordeal has come to an end and the fans can once again beat their chests and speak loudly: we have an elite team. The return came in a safe performance away from home, something little seen by Santos away from Vila Belmiro in the campaign of 20 wins, eight draws and eight defeats until this 36th round of Series B of the Brazilian Championship.
The last few days, by the way, have been filled with just one feeling for Santos fans (fans and players): anxiety. Even with the magical score achieved, mathematics still prevented the party from returning to the national elite. The players held back under the rehearsed speech of “there’s still a little bit left.” This Sunday (17) the team welcomes the CRB to see the banners of the organized fans turned around again, showing the pride of being Santos fans who were just injured. And it will be worth the complement of loot, with another triumph – it would be the fifth in a row – also worth the cup. There are five points difference between Mirassol and Novorizontino, both with 63 compared to the 68 achieved by Santos.
The return to the place he should never have left came with striker Wendel Silva’s disenchantment after 10 games and with a painting of Otero, one of the main names in Santos’ campaign, alongside Giuliano and Guilherme in the offensive part, with Gil being a leader of the defense, supported by the fighting midfielders Diego Pituca – he was suspended this Monday – and João Schmidt, as well as a young goalkeeper Gabriel Brazão who did the job in place of the injured João Paulo. Honorable mention for full-back Escobar, who grew a lot in production in the second round.
*With information from Estadão Conteúdo
