Estádio Urbano Caldeira was buzzing on July 24, 2025, but the energy from the home fans wasn’t enough to lift Santos as they fell 2-1 to Internacional in a gripping Round 16 clash. The visitors showed up with a game plan that didn’t scream flair, but it sure got the job done, while Santos’ growing list of injuries meant they started and finished the night a step behind.
Right from kickoff, Internacional pressed high, giving Santos little time to settle. Their intent paid off early when Johan Carbonero took advantage of a slip in the hosts’ backline, coolly slotting home after just nine minutes. The early lead forced Santos to chase the game, but despite enjoying more of the ball, their finishing lacked bite.
Santos fans always look to Neymar for inspiration, and his name on the team sheet promised fireworks. He tried sparking the attack with some trademark runs and clever passing, but Internacional’s defenders doubled up on him and refused to let him get into dangerous spaces. Guilherme Augusto pushed forward on the wings, but up front, the absence of Bruno Gomes—out with a cruciate ligament injury—left a hole in the attacking setup that nobody could quite fill.
As the first half wore on, Santos worked the ball around, hoping to catch Internacional napping, but the visitors’ defensive structure held firm. Internacional’s compact shape frustrated their hosts, forcing wide shots and hopeful crosses that rarely troubled their keeper. Even when Santos brought on Tiquinho Soares in a bid to shake things up, clear-cut chances remained scarce.
On the other side, Internacional weren’t creating a barrage of chances but made their moments count. In the 75th minute, a slip in the Santos defense saw Internacional awarded a penalty—one of those moments where nerves in the backline cost dearly. Penalty specialist Rafael Borré stepped up and calmly sent the keeper the wrong way, doubling the lead and giving Internacional breathing room.
Santos kept fighting, even with Fernando—their dynamic midfielder—joining the injury list with a knee problem that’s expected to keep him out until October. Late in stoppage time, Álvaro Barreal finally broke through Internacional’s wall, pulling one back in the 90’+1 minute. The crowd found its voice, but with time almost up, there was no chance for a miracle turnaround.
The result lifts Internacional to 20 points in the Serie A table (five wins, five draws, five losses), putting them in a much stronger position as the season nears its halfway mark. Meanwhile, Santos are stuck at 14 points from 15 games, with four wins and a worrying nine losses, the shadow of their injury woes looming over their campaign.
For Santos, this match was another reminder that possession doesn’t win games—clinical finishing and defensive stability do. Internacional proved the point by shutting down threats and making the most of their opportunities, while Santos fans are left hoping their injury list shortens before it’s too late for a serious turnaround.