Madson broke the deadlock for Peixe in the first half but Gabriel Dias brought the game to a stalemate at the start of the second half for Leão. Rogério Ceni’s team held on well and also gave their rival work on the attack field.
Fortaleza tried to pressurize Santos from the onset but the home team stepped up the game and brought the game to the away team.
In the seventh minute, Marinho had the chance in the penalty area but he placed the shot wide.
Fortaleza marked intensively, held on to the ball and created a good chance in the 30th minute when Wellington Paulista hit the post after Osvaldo’s cross.
Nine minutes late, their best chance came as Soteldo crossed and Kaio Jorge headed the ball but it hit the crossbar. The next move, Santos scored a goal, rewarding the team that most sought in the game, Madson put his team one goal up with a good move.
In the second half, Fortaleza returned more focused and determined. In the first minutes, Osvaldo landed a low shot from outside the area and forced João Paulo to hit it wide. Two minutes later, Gabriel Dias rose higher than Santos defender and headed to tie the game. The game was wide open in the final stretch, with both teams using speed to cause trouble for their opponent.
Santos returns to the field on Thursday to face Olimpia for the Libertadores da América. Peixe"s next challenge at the Brasileirão will be on Sunday against Goiás in Goiania. Fortaleza play on the same day and time against Atlético-GO in Castelão.
