Neymar in tears as Santos suffer humiliating defeat to Vasco da Gama

Brazilian superstar Neymar was left in tears on Sunday after his boyhood club Santos were humiliated 6-0 at home by Vasco da Gama in the Brazilian Serie A.

It was the heaviest home defeat in Neymar’s career and the first time Santos have conceded six goals in a top-flight league game. The crushing loss also cost coach Cleber Xavier his job just hours after the match.

Former Liverpool and Aston Villa forward Philippe Coutinho starred for Vasco, scoring twice as the visiting side secured their first league win in six games and their biggest triumph in 17 years.

“I’m ashamed,” Neymar admitted. “I’m totally disappointed with our performance. The fans have every right to protest. Our attitude on the field was terrible. The tears were from anger, from everything.”

The 33-year-old returned to Santos in January after leaving Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal, signing a six-month deal in June. Since coming back, Neymar has scored six goals and provided three assists in 21 appearances across all competitions.

Neymar left the field in tears after suffering a hamstring injury 34 minutes into his first Serie A start of the season, forcing him to miss the next five league games.

Under Xavier, Santos won just five of 15 matches and now sit only two points above the relegation zone, one place above Vasco after Sunday’s victory. Santos had been promoted back to the top flight last November after spending a year in Serie B.

Santos will look to recover when they face Bahia away on Sunday, 24 August.