Neymar turned savior for Santos yesterday, erasing a 0-2 deficit to force a 2-2 draw and claim a vital point against league leaders Flamengo in the Brasileirão. The former Barcelona star netted both spot‑kicks in the closing stages, at minutes 82 and 88, while ex‑Arsenal midfielder Jorginho was sent off for Flamengo.
Danilo struck in the 43rd minute, and Lucas Paquetá, who clashed with Neymar after a kick that earned the Brazilian a booking in first‑half stoppage time, added the leader’s goals. With this stalemate and Palmeiras’ 1-0 win over Bahia, Flamengo’s cushion over São Paulo shrinks to just one point. In my view, Flamengo’s loss of composure proved costly.
The match was a rollercoaster of scores, scuffles and contentious refereeing. Rio de Janeiro’s side led 2-0 at halftime, but Santos rallied after the break, thanks to Neymar, who returned after more than a month sidelined by injury. He received a yellow in the 6th minute for protesting a head‑butt from Pulgar.