Neymar Tells Booing Santos Fans To “Stay Home” After Macara Comeback Win

Neymar hit back at sections of the Santos fanbase after being booed during the club's 2-1 comeback victory over Ecuadorian side Macará in the Copa Sudamericana round-of-16 first leg at Vila Belmiro. The Brazilian star played a decisive role in the win, providing two assists as Santos recovered from an early setback. Macará took the lead early through Franco Posse, leaving Santos facing pressure at home. Neymar then helped change the course of the match, setting up Gabriel Barbosa for the equaliser before contributing another assist for Willian Arão's second-half winner.

His two assists made him one of the central figures in Santos' comeback. Despite his contribution, Neymar was frustrated by sections of the home crowd who expressed their displeasure while Santos struggled during the game. The 34-year-old responded by criticising what he described as a negative attitude from some supporters and urged fans who only wanted to complain to stay away from the stadium. Neymar's reaction came after a match in which Santos showed resilience after conceding early. Gabriel Barbosa levelled the contest before half-time, with Neymar supplying the assist, while Arão completed the turnaround in the second half after another Neymar set-piece delivery.

The victory gives Santos a one-goal advantage heading into the second leg in Ecuador. The Brazilian forward also appeared keen to restore a stronger connection between the team and its supporters. Reports from Brazil said Neymar called for the atmosphere at Vila Belmiro to become more supportive, arguing that encouragement could help the team during difficult moments. His comments reflected the tension surrounding Santos despite the important continental victory. The result was particularly significant because the comeback came after Santos had fallen behind within the opening minutes.

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The team responded before the break and then controlled more of the match after half-time, eventually securing the advantage. Santos also had two goals disallowed during the game, adding to the drama of the contest. For Neymar, the performance offered a timely response on the pitch. The forward's two assists demonstrated his continued creative influence, while his involvement in both goals made him central to Santos' victory. He will now hope the result can help ease some of the pressure surrounding the team and improve the relationship with supporters. Santos will travel to Ecuador for the second leg on August 20 with a 2-1 lead.

A draw will be enough to take the Brazilian club into the quarter-finals, while an aggregate draw would send the tie to a penalty shootout. Before that match, Santos will also face Vasco in the Brazilian league. The exchange with the supporters nevertheless ensures that Neymar's return to Santos remains as much a story about expectations as performances. With the club fighting on multiple fronts, the Brazilian star's ability to produce decisive moments could prove crucial—and he clearly wants the home crowd behind the team rather than against it.

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