Santos secured a 2-1 comeback victory over Novorizontino at Vila Belmiro in Santos for the 2026 Campeonato Paulista opener. Gabigol, returning to the club, scored the equalizer, with Thaciano sealing the win. Neymar watched from a suite while recovering from knee surgery.
The match, played on Saturday (January 10, 2026), marked Gabriel Barbosa's, or Gabigol's, return to Santos, the club that launched him and where he played from 2013-2016 and in 2018. Novorizontino took the lead at the 24th minute of the first half with Diego Galo's goal, assisted by Rômulo, a midfielder on loan from Palmeiras. The left-footed shot went under goalkeeper Gabriel Brazão.
Early in the second half, at the 6th minute, Santos equalized in a build-up play involving Rollheiser, Lautaro Díaz, and Gabigol, who tapped in the rebound for his first-time finish. It was the striker's 85th goal for the club. Gabigol had an earlier goal disallowed for offside at the 2nd minute and a shot saved by Jordi at the 11th of the first half.
The winner came at the 43rd minute, as Thaciano, who replaced Rollheiser, advanced into the box after a cross from Igor Vinícius and poked it into the net. The game featured Novorizontino pressure with key saves by Brazão, and boos from the crowd toward defender Caballero, who was substituted at halftime by Robinho Júnior.
Neymar Jr., with his contract extended until year-end and recovering from left knee surgery, watched alongside Rafaella Santos from the suites. Gabigol celebrated his goal with a heart gesture toward them. Santos earns three points and faces Palmeiras on Wednesday (14th) at Arena Barueri.
