Brasileirão Série A
Santos held to 1-1 draw at home despite Neymar assist
Santos came from behind through A. Barreal after Eduardo gave Mirassol the lead, but a late red card couldn't secure a winner
Santos were held to a 1-1 draw at Estádio Urbano Caldeira in a match that saw them come from behind before a late sending-off failed to produce a winner.
The hosts found themselves behind early in the second half when Eduardo scored for Mirassol in the 36th minute. The goal came before halftime, leaving Santos with a mountain to climb as the visitors celebrated going into the break with a 1-0 lead.
Santos pulled one back in the 68th minute through A. Barreal, who found the net with an assist from Neymar. The goal reignited hope for the home crowd, who had been growing restless as their team struggled to break down Mirassol's 3-4-1-2 formation.
The match took a dramatic turn in the 73rd minute when Mirassol's Wallisson was shown a straight red card. The dismissal opened up space and chances for Santos, but they were unable to capitalize despite pushing forward in search of a winner.
Mirassol's Gabriel Knesowitsch had already been booked in the 22nd minute, followed by Neto Moura in the 24th, as both teams engaged in a fiery contest. Santos' Joao Schmidt picked up a yellow card in the 20th minute, setting the tone for a physical affair.
With their tails up after the red card, Santos threw everything forward, and Neymar himself was booked late in the 88th minute for what appeared to be a last-ditch challenge. Igor Formiga also received a yellow for Mirassol in the 76th minute as the visitors tried to hold on.
Despite the numerical advantage, Santos could not find a way past a resolute Mirassol defense. The home side's 4-2-3-1 formation, coached by Cuca, struggled to break down the visitors, who were managed by Guanaes Rafael.
The draw leaves both sides with a point apiece from a match that promised more drama than it ultimately delivered. Referee Edina Alves Batista brought the action to a close, with neither side able to claim all three points.
The result means Santos remain in the middle of the table, while Mirassol will take encouragement from their ability to hold out for a point despite being reduced to ten men in the final quarter of the game.