Santos begin life post-Neymar with defeat

Santos didn’t have a good start in post-Neymar era

Rio de Janeiro - Santos suffered a 2-1 loss to Botafogo in their first match since the departure of Neymar to Barcelona.

Rafael Marques and Fellype Gabriel struck in the space of seven minutes as Botafogo dominated the first half at the Raulino de Oliveira stadium here on Wednesday, reports Xinhua.

Argentine midfielder Walter Montillo reduced the deficit with a 71st-minute strike after a Santos counter-attack.

The 29-year-old then missed the chance to equalise when, after a one-two with Willian Jose, he shot wide with only keeper Renan to beat.

Botafogo were without former AC Milan and Dutch star Clarence Seedorf who was a late withdrawal with a virus.

In other matches on Wednesday, Sao Paulo crushed Vasco da Gama 5-1, Atletico Paranaense drew 2-2 with Cruzeiro, Flamengo lost 2-0 at home to Ponte Preta, Bahia and Coritiba drew 0-0, Victoria won 3-0 away to Nautico while Goias drew 1-1 with Corinthians.