Santos can finally breathe a sigh of relief, climbing to 13th place in the table with 47 points thanks to a brace from Thaciano and a goal from Joao Schmidt, after flirting with relegation for much of the campaign.

With the nightmare of relegation looming just a year after their promotion back to the top tier, Neymar's team displayed an intense performance at the Vila Belmiro stadium, packed to the rafters with Santos fans.

Cruzeiro, who finished the league in third place with nothing left to play for, were unable to contain the relentless energy of their opponents, who dominated possession from the first whistle. The Belo Horizonte side showed signs of a comeback in the second half with a goal that was ultimately disallowed for offside.

Neymar is currently nursing a meniscus injury, but was determined not to miss this crucial match and had several shots on goal against Cuzeiro, although he was unable to find the net this time. Despite the injuries he has suffered since joining his boyhood club in February, the number 10's contribution has been pivotal in Santos' last two matches.

His contribution amounts to one assist and four goals, half of his total league goals, which earned his team six crucial points. The 33-year-old forward was honoured before the match for scoring 150 goals in a Santos shirt, but is yet to announce his plans for next season.

"This is the team of my heart," said Neymar during the tribute, adding that he was very happy to reach that goalscoring milestone. With the victory, Santos not only avoided relegation but also secured a place in the Sudamericana.

Thaciano

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