Sao Paulo (AFP) – In an exciting clash in the 29th round of the Brazilian Championship, Neymar's two penalty goals in the last eight minutes helped Santos earn a 2-2 draw against league leaders Flamengo on Thursday. The match took place at the Vila Belmiro stadium in Santos, Brazil.

Flamengo initially took control of the game, with veteran player Danilo scoring just before halftime at the 43rd minute, followed by Lucas Paquetá's goal in stoppage time (45+4). Despite being down, Santos showed resilience and fought back, thanks in large part to Neymar's return from a five-week injury layoff.

Entering the match as a substitute for Philippe Coutinho, Neymar quickly made his presence felt. In the 72nd minute, Santos was awarded a penalty after a handball by Flamengo's Jorginho, which led to his expulsion following a lengthy VAR review. Neymar confidently converted the penalty, igniting the home crowd.

Just minutes later, in the 85th minute, another penalty was awarded to Santos after a foul by Luiz Araújo on Gabigol inside the box. Once again, Neymar stepped up and successfully converted, leveling the score at 2-2.

In stoppage time, Santos, now with a player advantage, nearly completed a comeback but ultimately settled for the draw. The result leaves Flamengo at the top of the table with 61 points, while Santos, despite ending their five-match winning streak, remains hopeful for a spot in the Libertadores, currently sitting eighth with 42 points, six behind Cruzeiro, who holds the fifth and final qualification spot.

This match also featured protests against the ban on online sports betting, a decision made by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, visible through advertising boards around the stadium.