Atlético-MG’s late rally lifts spirits as Santos rue a 97th-minute collapse

Atlético-MG’s late rally lifts spirits as Santos rue a 97th-minute collapse
Atlético-MG’s 2-1 victory over Santos at Arena MRV produced sharply different readings of the same frantic closing minutes: for the home side, a demonstration of persistence; for Santos, a painful loss of control just when an important away win appeared secured.

Santos took the lead in the 42nd minute of the second half through Gabigol. But Atlético responded almost immediately: Vitor Hugo headed in an equaliser from a corner, before Thiago Borbas struck a volley in the 51st minute to complete the turnaround. The final whistle was followed by a confrontation involving players, though available reports did not specify what caused it or identify those involved.

For Atlético coach Eduardo Domínguez, the finish reinforced his players’ conviction and their ability to respond to changes during a match. “The team believes until the last play,” he said, adding that the squad had continued to answer after substitutions. Yet his praise came with a clear qualification: “We hope not to be at the last minute in every match.”

Domínguez also pointed to Atlético’s 15-match unbeaten home run, while urging the side to remain grounded before its Copa Sudamericana semifinal against Montevideo Torque. His message was that the comeback should build confidence, not encourage complacency.

Santos coach Cuca focused instead on the cost of the late concession. He said his team had allowed a cross that “should have been avoided” before conceding in the 97th minute, calling the outcome “the worst of flavors that can exist.”

The defeat ended Santos’ eight-game unbeaten sequence and six straight away victories. Cuca acknowledged the disappointment but argued that the same players who had delivered those results must now absorb the setback, with the club still pursuing a Libertadores place.

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