On the coast in São Paulo, Neymar returned from more than a month out injured to pull Santos back from a two-goal deficit against Brazilian leaders Flamengo. His two late penalties secured a 2-2 draw in a heated Brasileirão meeting, leaving the title race tighter after Palmeiras won.
Quick facts
- Santos drew 2-2 with Flamengo after trailing by two goals.
- Neymar came on at half-time and scored penalties in the 82nd and 88th minutes.
- Danilo and Lucas Paquetá scored before the interval for Flamengo.
- Flamengo midfielder Jorginho was sent off.
- Palmeiras beat Bahia 1-0 and now sit one point behind Flamengo.
Flamengo had appeared set to leave Vila Belmiro with a commanding win. Danilo opened the scoring in the 43rd minute, before Lucas Paquetá added another goal in first-half stoppage time.
The visitors’ lead came amid a contest shaped by flashpoints and disputed refereeing calls. Neymar himself was booked in the sixth minute after protesting that Erick Pulgar had struck him in the face.
Paquetá was also cautioned following an altercation with Neymar after a kick on the Santos forward. The match later saw another major setback for Flamengo when former Arsenal midfielder Jorginho received a red card.
Neymar, introduced after the break as he completed his recovery from injury, changed the closing stages. He converted from the spot in the 82nd minute, then held his nerve again six minutes later to earn Santos a valuable point.
The result prevents Flamengo from extending their advantage at the top. Palmeiras’ 1-0 victory over Bahia means the Rio de Janeiro club’s lead over the São Paulo side has been reduced to a single point.
