Atlético Paranaense came from behind to beat Santos 2:0 in the Serie A regular season on Saturday evening. The visitors took control after a first-half goal from K. Viveros and held on despite Santos pushing for an equaliser. The result lifts Atlético Paranaense further clear in third place while Santos remain rooted in thirteenth.
Viveros opened the scoring in the 26th minute, heading home from close range after Santos failed to clear a corner. He collected a yellow card himself four minutes later, a sign of the intensity that followed. Santos had the majority of possession but struggled to find a rhythm after conceding.
By the time the second half began, Atlético Paranaense had tightened things up defensively. They introduced Leozinho in the 60th minute, followed by Luiz Gustavo at the hour-and-ten mark. Santos made three changes in quick succession around the 61st minute, bringing on Gilberto and C. Oliva before adding Joao Cruz at the end of the game.
The statistics tell a story of dominance without reward. Santos enjoyed 62 per cent possession and created three big chances, yet could only muster two shots on target from twelve attempts. Atlético Paranaense managed four shots on target from five attempts, converting with ruthless efficiency. They had an expected goals total of 1.16 compared to Santos's 1.64, but the final score tells a different tale.
Santos's recent form had suggested momentum, with wins against Remo and UCKB before a draw with Chapecoense. Atlético Paranaense arrived with mixed results, including a heavy 4:0 defeat to Vitória just days earlier. This away victory brings them closer to the top four while extending Santos's struggles in the middle of the table.