Neymar scored an 84th-minute winner as Santos defeated Serie A leaders Flamengo 1-0 on Wednesday. The 33-year-old showcased his class with a brilliant turn and finish after receiving Guilherme’s pass, marking his first league goal of an injury-disrupted season.
“I want to play full matches consistently, but I’m still rebuilding my fitness,” said Neymar, who has made just three starts this term. The Brazilian star admitted he’s not yet at his peak after multiple muscle injuries following last October’s ACL rupture, sustained during a World Cup qualifier with Brazil.
Despite Santos sitting 13th, 13 points behind Flamengo, Neymar praised his team’s potential: “Flamengo are the league’s best side, but we proved we can compete with anyone.”
In other Serie A action, Palmeiras drew 1-1 with Mirassol, Corinthians won 1-0 at Ceará, while Botafogo and São Paulo played out a goalless draw and a 2-2 stalemate against Vitória and Bragantino respectively.
