Santos Dominates Velo Clube 6-0, Neymar Returns to Action
Santos secured their place in the quarterfinals of the 2026 Paulistão after a commanding 6-0 victory over Velo Clube at Vila Belmiro on Sunday. The match also marked the highly anticipated return of Neymar to the field in 2026, entering the game at halftime.
Following the results of other matches, Santos advanced to the quarterfinals in seventh position with 12 points and will face Novorizontino next weekend in a single-leg match, with Novorizontino hosting.
First-Half Blitz Sets the Tone
The Santista offense exploded in the first half, with Gabigol, Moisés, and Thaciano all finding the back of the net. Gabigol opened the scoring in the 6th minute, followed by Moisés in the 18th, and Thaciano in the 23rd. Velo Clube’s Luiz Otavio received a red card during the match.
Second-Half Surge Completes the Rout
The second half saw further goals from Gabriel Menino, Gabigol (again), and Rollheiser, solidifying Santos’s dominant performance. Gabriel Menino scored in the 24th minute, with Gabigol adding another in the 36th and Rollheiser completing the scoring in the 38th minute.
Neymar’s Return and Upcoming Schedule
Neymar came on as a substitute at halftime, marking his first appearance of the year. Santos’s next confirmed match is against Vasco at Vila Belmiro on February 26th, but they will face Novorizontino in the Paulistão quarterfinals this coming weekend. The Federação Paulista de Futebol will announce the specific dates and times for the next phase of the tournament.
Match Details
⚪ Santos 6 x 0 Velo Clube 🔴
🏆 Competition: Campeonato Paulista (8th round)
🏟️ Location: Estádio Vila Belmiro, Santos-SP
📅 Date: February 15, 2026 (Sunday)
⏰ Time: 8:30 PM (Brasília time)
🟨 Yellow Cards: Rodrigo, Thomas Luciano, and Islan (Velo Clube)
🟥 Red Cards: Luiz Otavio (Velo Clube)
Goals
⚽ Gabigol, 6 minutes (Santos)
⚽ Moisés, 18 minutes (Santos)
⚽ Thaciano, 23 minutes (Santos)
⚽ Gabriel Menino, 24 minutes (Santos)
⚽ Gabigol, 36 minutes (Santos)
⚽ Rollheiser, 38 minutes (Santos)
Lineups
⚪Santos
Gabriel Brazão; Mayke, Luan Peres, Zé Ivaldo and Vini Lira; Willian Arão (Gabriel Menino), Bontempo and Barreal (Neymar); Thaciano (Miguelito), Moisés (Rony) and Gabigol (Rollheiser).
Technical Director: Juan Pablo Vojvoda
🔴Velo Clube
Marcelo Carné; Gabriel Mancha, Marcelo (Daniel Amorim) and Betão; Luiz Otavio, Rodrigo (Adriano), Caique (Zé Mario) and Thomas Luciano; Mateus Norton (Karl), Rodrigo Alves and Jhoninha (Islan).
Technical Director: Pilhado
How the Goals Were Scored
Santos opened the scoring in the 6th minute with a corner kick from Barreal, headed in by Gabigol. Moisés extended the lead in the 18th minute with a header from a cross by Gabigol. Thaciano added a third in the 23rd minute, capitalizing on a cross from Bontempo.
In the second half, Gabriel Menino scored with a powerful shot from outside the box. Gabigol and Rollheiser then added goals in the 36th and 38th minutes, respectively, completing the rout.
FAQ
Q: When did Neymar return to play for Santos?
A: Neymar made his return to action as a halftime substitute in the match against Velo Clube on February 15, 2026.
Q: Who will Santos face in the quarterfinals?
A: Santos will face Novorizontino in the quarterfinals of the Paulistão.
Q: What was the final score of the match?
A: The final score was Santos 6 – 0 Velo Clube.
Q: Who scored the goals for Santos?
A: Gabigol (2 goals), Moisés, Thaciano, Gabriel Menino, and Rollheiser each scored one goal for Santos.
Did you realize? This was Santos’s first match after the carnival celebrations, and they marked the occasion with a dominant performance.
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