Santos began life without Neymar with a 2-1 defeat away to Botafogo, who were missing a star player of their own, as Clarence Seedorf was out with a virus.
Botafogo’s first goal came after some great work down the left by Júlio César, as he back-heeled the ball into the path of Nicolás Lodeiro. The Uruguayan’s shot rebounded off Santos ‘keeper Rafael and straight into the path of Fellype Gabriel, who nodded home.
After a period of sustained pressure, Botafogo doubled their lead through Rafael Marques. The striker’s speculative shot from distance took a deflection on its way towards goal and looped over Rafael, who could do nothing about it.
Santos pulled a goal back in the second half after some great play by substitute Neilton in the inside left channel. His square ball set up the Argentine Walter Montillo to slot the ball past Renan, who was in the Botafogo goal while Jefferson is on Brazil duty.
Not long after this, Montillo had another great chance to equalise for Santos, but he struck high and wide.
Botafogo missed the experience of Seedorf to settle play down in the latter stages of the game, but still managed to come away with the three points.
The result doesn’t bode well for Santos, who have another tough game on Saturday at home to Grêmio, but they will take heart from their second half performance.
Botafogo, meanwhile, will be looking for another three points when they face Cruzeiro at home on the same day.
