In a dramatic Brazilian Serie A showdown, Neymar made a triumphant impact by scoring a late goal to earn Santos a crucial 1-0 home win over league leaders Flamengo.
The tightly contested match, held on Wednesday, saw Neymar rise to the occasion, delivering a moment of brilliance in the final minutes to seal victory.
The goal was a significant milestone for the 33-year-old, marking his first of the current Serie A season and underlining his determination to return to form after a long injury layoff.
The decisive strike came in the 84th minute when Neymar received a well-timed pass from Guilherme. The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star demonstrated his trademark flair, turning past his marker and curling a precise shot into the far corner of the net. The goal not only electrified the home fans but also gave Santos a much-needed boost in the standings.
Neymar’s path back to full match fitness has been a cautious one. Before this fixture, he had only made three starts this season. He acknowledged the ongoing challenge of regaining his physical peak following a serious knee injury he suffered last October while playing for Brazil in a World Cup qualifier.
The forward admitted that he still wasn’t at 100% but expressed satisfaction with his ability to contribute both offensively and defensively. He emphasized the importance of consistent playing time and training as part of his recovery process.
The win moved Santos up to 13th place in the 20-team league with 14 points. Despite the defeat, Flamengo remained at the top of the table with 27 points, edging second-placed Cruzeiro on goal difference.
Neymar assessed the match by highlighting Flamengo’s quality, calling them the strongest side in the league. However, he remained optimistic about Santos’ potential, believing the team’s recent progress showed they could rise above their current position.
He suggested that with the time they’ve had to train and rebuild, they are capable of competing with any team in the division.
Elsewhere in the league, Palmeiras drew 1-1 at home against Mirassol, Corinthians won 1-0 away at Ceara, Botafogo and Vitoria played out a goalless draw, while Sao Paulo and Bragantino ended in a 2-2 stalemate. The competition remains fierce as the season continues to unfold.