Peixe opened the scoring with Arthur Gomes, with Marinho later adding a double to put his team three up and also becoming the top scorer of the Brasileirão with six goals alongside Internacional forward Thiago Galhardo, who later plays this Thursday.
Galo started the game with high intensity and had five great chances in the first seven minutes of the game.
Santos responded immediately with a great chance of their own, with a move starting from Soteldo to Marinho, scaring goalkeeper Rafael. After 15 minutes, Rafael was shown the red card after taking Marinho down outside his area which changed the dynamics of the entire game.
After Rafael’s expulsion, Victor who hadn’t played for six months was brought on to replace him in goal. After just his first shot received he failed to stop causing a goal scored by Arthur Gomes.
Atlético-MG weren’t intimidated by the situation and took advantage of Jobson’s mistake to set up a counter attack and level the scoring through Alan Franco. Shortly after, Marinho was on track again to make it 2-1 for Santos.
In the second half Atlético made changes, started Keno instead of Savarino. Santos had couple of changes to extend their lead, but all the efforts were either not good enough or parried away. In the end, the atmosphere of the game became a little more tense when Pablo Fernández, trainer of Santos goalkeepers was sent off.
Marinho scored his second of the game from the penalty spot after the intervention of VAR after analysis was made.
Santos will face São Paulo on Saturday in Vila Belmiro. Atlético-MG hosts Bragantino on Sunday in Mineirão.