Neymar returned from a month-long muscular absence to score two late penalties for Santos in a 2-2 draw against league leaders Flamengo on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at the Estadio Urbano Caldeira, commonly known as Vila Belmiro, Infobae reported. The forward’s return electrified the twenty-ninth round of the Brasileirao, elevating his career tally with the club to 160 goals in 279 appearances since his 2009 debut at age 17, during which he also provided 79 assists.
Flamengo Takes Early Lead with Two Goals
Manager Leonardo Jardim deployed a Flamengo side that controlled the midfield during the opening 45 minutes, generating ten attempts on goal. The breakthrough arrived in the 43rd minute when Danilo finished past goalkeeper Diógenes following a build-up with Pedro. In stoppage time, Lucas Paquetá extended the lead to 2-0 with a header from a corner kick delivered by Jorge Carrascal.
The visiting side entered the fixture on a strong run of six victories and a draw across their previous seven matches, alongside a progression to the semifinals of the Copa Libertadores where they are defending their title against Independiente del Valle.
Neymar Scores Two Penalties to Force Draw
Santos manager Cuca introduced Neymar at the start of the second half in place of Philippe Coutinho. During the match, Lucas Paquetá had a clash with Neymar following a challenge that annoyed the forward.
Neymar converted the resulting penalty past goalkeeper Agustín Rossi to cut the deficit to 2-1. Six minutes later, a set-piece initiated by Neymar struck the hand of Gabriel Barbosa (“Gabigol”) inside the box. Daronco pointed to the spot once more, and Neymar executed an identical penalty kick to secure the 2-2 draw. In the 82nd minute, Jorginho handled the ball inside the area, leading the referee to change an initial yellow-card decision to a penalty and a direct red card after a VAR review. Neymar remarked: After scoring the first goal, we took control of the match. We could have gotten a better result, obviously, but in front of us was Flamengo; they are the best team in the country, there is no doubt. The way they play, the ease with which they find spaces… it is really different. It is very difficult, but it was a great result
and added: It was a great game for those who enjoy football: both teams attacking all the time. And I think, nowadays, they are the two best teams in Brazil
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Flamengo Holds First Place as Santos Climbs
Following the result, Flamengo retained first place in the Brasileirao with 61 points, though their lead over second-placed Palmeiras shrank to a single point. Santos climbed to the eighth position, building a five-win, two-draw run in their last seven fixtures that distanced the club from the relegation zone where they spent much of the campaign.
Both teams return to domestic action on Sunday. Santos will travel to face Atlético Mineiro, while Flamengo will contest the Rio de Janeiro clásico against Fluminense.
