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A goalkeeper making several difficult saves and helping Santos get what they wanted in an away game for the Libertadores. Most likely you know this movie, but we are not talking about Rafael in the 0-0 draw with América de México, in 2011, for the second round of the Libertadores that ended with a title.
This Thursday, the young João Paulo, who made history, was Santos’ third option two months ago. In the 3-2 win over Olimpia, which secured Fish in the Libertadores round of 16, the goalkeeper made at least five difficult saves.
João Paulo makes a beautiful defense to avoid Olimpia’s goal – Photo: Ivan Storti / Santos FC
In 2011, the scenario was a little different. After beating América de México 1-0 at Vila Belmiro, Santos had the advantage of a draw away from home to advance in the Libertadores. Faced with a packed stadium and a lot of pressure, Rafael made several difficult saves in the second game and secured the 0-0.
Best moments: América-MEX 0 x 0 Santos in the last 16 of the Libertadores 2011
+ Cuca celebrates victory in “turbulent week”
– Against America it was the most difficult game of all. America is a very strong team in Mexico, because it is the television team, a very high investment. We knew, when we passed the group stage, that we were going to get a quarry. We suffered a lot against America. Rafael made it the best match of his career at Santos. He took it all. America was a tough team – said, in 2020, Muricy Ramalho, Santos coach in 2011.
Muricy Ramalho and Pelé in the conquest of Santos in the Libertadores 2011 – Photo: Ag. Estado
+ Santos’ performances against Olimpia
Now, Santos could even tie with Olimpia to guarantee classification in group G for the knockout stages of the Libertadores. Even so, they won 3-2, thanks to the difficult defenses of João Paulo, especially in the second half.
Desperate for the draw, Olimpia launched the attack with three from center forward, followed by crosses and sharp aim. On the other side, however, was João Paulo, who defended everything in the Santos goal.
– Photo: Disclosure
