Neymar in tears as Santos suffer historic 6-0 defeat to Vasco da Gama

KATHMANDU: Brazilian Serie A giants Santos endured a humiliating night at home, suffering a 6-0 thrashing against Vasco da Gama — the heaviest defeat of Neymar’s professional career.

Brazilian star, visibly emotional, left the pitch in tears after the final whistle.

The result marked the first time in Serie A history that Santos conceded six goals at home. Just hours after the match, head coach Kleber Xavier was sacked by the club.

Former Liverpool and Aston Villa midfielder Philippe Coutinho scored twice for Vasco, guiding his side to their biggest league victory in 17 years.

Reacting to the crushing defeat, Neymar admitted: “I feel ashamed. Even if the fans insult me, I understand, because they are disappointed. Our performance was simply terrible. In my life, I had never experienced anything like this.”

Neymar, who left Barcelona in 2017 for a record transfer to Paris Saint-Germain, returned to his boyhood club Santos this January. Since his comeback, he has registered 6 goals and 3 assists in 21 appearances.

Santos are now hovering just two points above the relegation zone, having won only 5 of their 15 league matches this season. Vasco, meanwhile, have climbed out of the drop zone with this emphatic win.

Santos, promoted back to Serie A only last year, will face fourth-placed Bahia on Sunday in a crucial test of their survival hopes.