Ex-factor: Yuri Alberto fires Timão to victory over Santos in BR 25

The forward Yuri Alberto was the MAN of the aurinegro derby, valid for the ninth round of the Brasileirão 2025, this Sunday (18).

At the Neo Química Arena, in front of an audience of 47,000 people, the forward scored the winning goal.

And it secured the three points for Corinthians over Santos, in the 1-0 victory.

It's worth mentioning that the anticipated duel did not feature the stars Memphis Depay and Neymar.

The Dutchman is still treating a sprain in his right ankle, while the Brazilian hasn't played for almost a month due to a semimembranosus muscle injury in his left thigh.

👀 First half with few chances?

The first 45 minutes of the alvinegro derby didn't offer us many thrills...

Santos, for example, had two good opportunities to open the score.

The first, with defender Zé Ivaldo, at 20', with a missed header ALONE in the small area.

The second, with Barreal, at 32', from a cross by Rollheiser.

On the home side, Timão posed a threat with a dangerous free-kick taken by Igor Coronado, at 39'.

It didn't go in because goalkeeper Brazão managed to deflect it for a corner.

Justifying the excellent personal phase he's experiencing at the moment.

😳 What was that, Yuri Alberto?

Despite the chances, one scene in particular stole the spotlight in the first half.

Corinthians' forward Yuri Alberto ended up tearing his shorts in a curious incident.

And see for yourself exactly where the shorts tore...

Keep the kids away from the screen? Of course, the internet crowd wouldn't let this one slide...

⚽ The ex's law never fails!

The great moments of the second half were undoubtedly led by Yuri Alberto, who was developed in Santos' youth academy.

At 21 minutes, the number 9 completed a cross from Martínez with a firm header into Brazão's right corner, opening the score.

The goalkeeper even tried to prevent the goal, which was confirmed by the VAR after review.

At 40', the same Yuri extended the lead with a chip, but the VAR intervened again.

This time, referee Claus annulled it due to a foul at the start of the play.

Do you think it was really a foul? Leave your opinion in the comments!

🤔 When are you coming back, Ney?

As mentioned above, Neymar was still not fit to wear the Santos jersey this weekend.

However, the number 10 already has a scheduled return date.

It's likely that the attacking midfielder will be on the field against CRB, in a midweek game valid for the Copa do Brasil.

What's next?

With the result, Corinthians reaches 13 points on the table, rising to eighth place.

Santos, on the other hand, remains stuck at five points, suffering in the vice-bottom position of the Brazilian league.

Timão will play again midweek against Grêmio Horizontino, in the return match of the Copa do Brasil.

Just like Santos, who visits CRB.

📸 Miguel Schincariol - 2025 Getty Images