The script was supposed to be different. Santos had reassembled Neymar and Gabigol around an ambitious World Cup–year project. Novorizontino, a club from a city of 40,000 in São Paulo’s interior, had other ideas.
In a single-leg quarterfinal at the Estádio Jorge Ismael de Biasi on Sunday, Léo Naldi rose unmarked inside the six-yard box in the 51st minute of stoppage time and headed home the winner. Final score: 2–1. There was not even time for a restart.
The first half was cagey until its final seconds, when Neymar gifted the hosts the lead. Receiving the ball deep in his own half, the 34-year-old attempted a casual pass that landed at the feet of midfielder Tavinho. The turnover was punished instantly: Tavinho fed Rômulo, who finished past Gabriel Brazão to make it 1–0.
Santos coach Juan Pablo Vojvoda responded at halftime by introducing 20-year-old Gabriel Bontempo. On 65 minutes, Igor Vinícius delivered a low cross, Gabigol whiffed entirely, and the ball fell kindly for Bontempo to fire into the far corner.
With the game level and heading toward penalties, Santos pressed. Neymar struck a dangerous free kick that goalkeeper Jordi tipped away. Moisés fired just wide. But substitute Vinícius Paiva burst down the left flank in the dying seconds and whipped in a cross. Naldi met it with his head, and 10,000 fans erupted.
For Novorizontino, the result continues a remarkable rise. The club posted the Paulistão’s best first-phase record and now advances to the semifinals with home advantage. For Santos, it is another painful chapter in a difficult stretch that includes 18th place in the early Brasileirão standings.
Neymar acknowledged the mistake afterward, telling teammates on the pitch that the first goal was his fault. It was only his second match of the season and his first full 90 minutes since returning from knee surgery. Vojvoda defended him, insisting Neymar’s fitness was progressing well.
The reassurance did little to soften the mood. No Santos player stopped to speak to broadcasters after the final whistle. In the parking lot, home fans taunted Neymar as he boarded the team bus. The reunion project will have to prove its worth elsewhere.