Santos stuttered in their first Brasileiro game of the season on Sunday evening as they had to fight back for a point at home to Sport Recife.
The much lauded Santos attack failed to trouble their opposition for the vast majority of the match as Recife kept the likes of Leandro Damiao, Gabriel and Geuvanio in check.
The match in Sao Paulo was goalless until the 73rd minute, when Sport took the courtesy of a strike from forward Neto Baiano and the home side’s considerable blushes were spared with ten minutes to go when Gabriel slotted home, with the assist coming from Geuvanio.
An opening day draw is not the worst start for Santos, but the seemingly endless wait for Damiao to settle into his new surroundings is certainly something of a worry. Allied with a relatively poor Paulista state championship run, the club will be looking to iron out its on field issues as soon as possible.