Neymar tells fans to stay home

Neymar was the hero of the team's great comeback with two assists on the field. But the focus of discussion after the match was not Neymar's performance, but his comments. The Brazilian star could not contain his anger after hearing the duo from the gallery. His clear message to the fans; It is better to stay home than to come to the stadium with a negative attitude.

Santos defeated Macara 2-1 on Friday (August 14) in the first leg of the last 16 of the Copa Sudamericana. The Brazilian club came back from behind in a great way. Neymar contributed to both goals.

The start of the match was disappointing for Santos, however. Ecuadorian club Macara took the lead in the fifth minute through Franco Posse. However, Gabriel Barbosa equalized from Neymar's extended ball at the end of the first half. Then, in the 76th minute, Willian Araujo's goal from Neymar's corner ensured Santos' victory.

Neymar was not smiling even after the victory. After a bad pass during the match, he had to hear boos from the gallery. Later, in an interview with ESPN Brazil after the match, he criticized the fans, citing the incident.

Neymar said, "We were 1-0 down at the time. I know the fans are suffering a lot. But if you come to the stadium with that disappointment and negative mentality, it's better to stay home."

He also said, "I told someone in the gallery to support us instead of criticizing. There was still a lot of time left. Encourage us. Later, we turned the match around. When I went to get some water, that person was showing a heart sign from the gallery again. It's easy to show love when you win."

With this victory, Santos advanced on its way to the last eight. They will play the return leg in Ambato, Ecuador next week. If Neymar can avoid defeat in that match, his ticket to the quarterfinals will be guaranteed.

Neymar's recent performances have also been a relief for Santos. He has scored 13 goals and provided 8 assists in his last 24 matches in all competitions. The Brazilian star has once again become the team's most reliable footballer, having directly contributed to 21 goals.