Santos are edging closer to a berth in the final 16 of the Copa do Brasil. After defeating Cianorte 2-0 away from home on Tuesday night with goals from Kaio Jorge and Marinho, they have a good advantage in the first leg of the third phase of the national tournament.
On another day, the Vila Belmiro team could easily have won with a higher score, but due to the three excellent saves by goalkeeper Bruno Pianissolla, the visitors only won 2-0, ending their three-game losing streak.
Santos dominated Cianorte in the first half. At two minutes, Marinho demanded a penalty for Maurcio’s foul, but the referee disagreed and denied the request.
Kaio Jorge opened the scoring in the 24th minute, capitalizing on Luan Peres’ kick rebound to score the game’s first goal. Santos came close to doubling their lead in the 32nd minute when Cianorte’s goalkeeper blocked a Marinho attempt after a great ball from Lucas Braga. The opening 45 minutes went in favor of Santos.
In the second half, Santos maintained their lead and calmness, almost doubling their lead in the 64th minute, but the goal was disallowed by the referee for offside. Marinho got another chance a few minutes later, but goalkeeper Bruno Pianissolla once again saved his strike. Marinho was also denied a penalty in the 75th minute after being brought down in the penalty area.
After 81 minutes, Santos scored their second goal, with Marinho finally getting on the score-sheet after an assist from Kaio Jorge to give Pexie a merited first-leg victory.
Santos will be back on the field at Vila Belmiro on Saturday to face Ceará in the second round of the Brazilian Championship. Cianorte, on the other hand, will face Portuguesa in the first round of the Brazilian Championship Series D on Saturday at Canindé.
