Key Takeaways:
- Vasco da Gama thrashed Santos 6-0 on Sunday, marking the heaviest defeat of Neymar’s professional career
- Former Brazil assistant Cleber Xavier was dismissed as Santos head coach hours after the humiliating loss
- Philippe Coutinho scored twice as Vasco secured their largest league win in 17 years and their first victory in six games
Season-Worst Collapse at Home for Santos
Santos were left reeling after a 6-0 hammering by Vasco da Gama, a result that shook the Vila Belmiro faithful and etched itself into the history books as the club’s worst-ever home defeat in Brazil’s Serie A. The crushing loss marked the heaviest in Neymar’s career and the first instance of Santos conceding six goals at home in the top-flight league.
The result plunged the eight-time Brazilian champions within two points of the relegation zone, prompting swift action from the club’s hierarchy. Head coach Cleber Xavier was sacked just hours after the final whistle, having secured only five wins in 15 matches since his appointment at the end of April.
Philippe Coutinho scored twice for Vasco da Gama in their 6-0 win over Neymar's Santos 😳 pic.twitter.com/qpElLhKn1n
— B/R Football (@brfootball) August 17, 2025
Coutinho Shines as Vasco Snap Winless Streak
Vasco da Gama ended a dismal spell of five league matches without victory in emphatic style, led by former Liverpool and Aston Villa playmaker Philippe Coutinho. The 32-year-old midfielder struck twice as Vasco ran riot, recording their most dominant league triumph in 17 years. The resounding win lifted them out of the relegation zone, climbing just one position below Santos in the standings.
Neymar’s Emotional Return Marred by Injury and Frustration
Neymar, who rejoined Santos in January following his contract termination with Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Hilal, made his first Serie A start of the season — only for it to be cut short after 34 minutes due to injury. The world’s most expensive footballer, who signed a new six-month deal in June, had recently returned from a hamstring problem that kept him sidelined for five league fixtures.
Visibly emotional, Brazil’s all-time leading goalscorer left the pitch in tears. “I’m ashamed,” Neymar said post-match. “I’m totally disappointed with our performance. The fans have every right to protest, obviously without using violence. But if they want to curse and insult, they’re in their right. To sum up our attitude on the field, it was terrible.”
He continued: “I’ve never experienced this in my life. The tears were from anger, from everything. Unfortunately, I can’t help in every way. I think everyone today needs to go home and think about what they want to do.”
Santos’ Struggles on Their Return to the Top Flight
After earning promotion back to the Brazilian top division last November, Santos’ return has been laboured. Despite Neymar contributing six goals and three assists in 21 appearances across all competitions, the club remains in jeopardy near the relegation line.
Xavier’s brief tenure proved insufficient, with his side winning just a third of their league fixtures under his reign. His departure leaves Santos scrambling to stabilise ahead of a crucial away clash against fourth-placed Bahia on Sunday, 24 August.
Match Review
| Fixture | Final Score | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santos vs Vasco da Gama | 0 – 6 | Vila Belmiro | Sunday |
