Santos FC 2012 – Away

The year 2012 was a significant and eventful year for Santos FC, a storied Brazilian football club. This period was particularly notable for the presence of Neymar, one of the most exciting young talents in world football at the time, who played a pivotal role in the team's successes.

1. Copa Libertadores: After winning the Copa Libertadores in 2011, Santos entered the 2012 edition as the defending champions. Their campaign, however, did not replicate the previous year's success. Santos was eliminated in the semifinals by eventual champions Corinthians. This was a significant disappointment, as the club had high hopes of winning back-to-back titles in South America's most prestigious club competition.
2. FIFA Club World Cup 2011: Although this tournament took place in December 2011, its impact spilled over into 2012. Santos reached the final, where they faced FC Barcelona, one of the best club teams in history. The match ended in a 4-0 defeat for Santos, with Neymar and his teammates unable to match the level of Barcelona, led by Lionel Messi. Despite the loss, participating in this final was a significant achievement and a testament to Santos' quality and history.
3. Campeonato Paulista: In domestic competitions, Santos continued to show strength, especially in the São Paulo state championship, the Campeonato Paulista. They won the title in 2012, which was their third consecutive Paulista championship. This success highlighted the club's dominance in state-level football and was a source of pride for the fans.
4. Brasileirão Performance: In the Brazilian Serie A, Santos had a less remarkable year in 2012. The club's focus on the Copa Libertadores and the loss of form after the competition affected their league performance. They finished in the middle of the table, a position that was considered underwhelming given the talent in the squad, especially Neymar.

Throughout 2012, Neymar's performances continued to attract attention from Europe's top clubs. His skills, goals, and overall play were among the bright spots in Santos' season, underscoring his status as one of the most promising and exciting players in world football at that time.

In summary, the year 2012 for Santos FC was a mix of highs and lows. While they achieved significant success in the Campeonato Paulista, their performances in the Copa Libertadores and the Brasileirão were below expectations. The year also served as a platform for Neymar's growing reputation in world football, showcasing his talent on both domestic and international stages.