Neymar’s Late Double Earns Santos Draw Against Flamengo
Neymar marked his return from injury with two late penalties as Santos rescued a 2-2 draw against Brazilian league leaders Flamengo at Vila Belmiro.
The forward entered at half-time for Philippe Coutinho, with Santos two goals down after Danilo and Lucas Paqueta had put Flamengo in control before the interval. It was Neymar’s first appearance since he suffered a right-thigh tear against Palmeiras on September 2.
He converted from the spot in the 82nd minute, then held his composure again six minutes later to complete Santos’ comeback. The draw ended five-match winning runs for both teams.
Title pressure grows on Flamengo
Flamengo had a chance to extend their advantage at the summit but remain top on 61 points. Palmeiras’ win over Bahia has cut the gap to one point.
Jorginho’s dismissal and costly defensive mistakes late in the match undermined Flamengo after they had built a two-goal lead.
Santos stay eighth, on 42 points from 29 fixtures, but the return of Neymar offers a major lift as they chase a place further up the standings.
What happens next
Santos are away to Atletico-MG on Sunday, October 11. Flamengo face Fluminense in a derby on the same day before switching focus to the Copa Libertadores.
The league leaders travel to Argentina to meet Estudiantes in the first leg of their Libertadores semi-final on Thursday, October 15, beginning a demanding spell in which rotation and player fitness will be under close scrutiny.
