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SportsNeymar scores brace in Santos return, 2-2 draw with Chapecoense
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Neymar made a successful return to Santos in the Brazilian Championship, scoring a brace (36th minute and 89th minute penalty) in a 2-2 draw against Chapecoense. The match marked his first appearance since Brazil's elimination in the World Cup Round of 16 by Norway (1-2). During his first goal celebration, Neymar mimicked dealing cards and used the corner flag as a golf club, responding to criticism of his lifestyle after he was seen playing poker in Rio de Janeiro instead of traveling with the team for a Copa Sudamericana match. Santos, currently 14th in the league and only one point above the relegation zone, will be without Neymar for the next match against Sao Paulo due to a yellow card suspension. With this brace, Neymar has now scored 459 career goals.
Source report
Santos fans can breathe a little easier. Neymar, the local prodigy whose contract with his boyhood club runs until December, returned to league action on Saturday, scoring twice in a 2-2 draw against Chapecoense.
The Brazil winger (130 caps, 80 goals) showed no signs of rust following the Seleção's elimination in the Round of 16 of the World Cup against Norway (1-2). His performance suggests the star is prepared to, at the very least, see out his contract—despite earlier speculation that a termination, synonymous with an end to his career after the World Cup, was a real possibility.
Goal Highlights
- 36th minute: First goal
- 89th minute: Penalty goal
Celebration and Controversy
During the celebration of his first goal, Neymar responded to criticism of his lifestyle by mimicking the dealing of cards in reference to poker, and later using the corner flag post as a golf club.
Earlier this week, Neymar did not travel with his team to Venezuela for the first leg of the Copa Sudamericana playoff against UCV FC (4-1). On that same day, he was playing poker in a tournament held in Rio de Janeiro.
Career Milestone and Club Standing
With this brace, Neymar has now scored 459 goals in his career.
Santos sits in 14th place, with only a one-point lead over the relegation zone. The club will be without their star for the next matchday against São Paulo, as Neymar received a yellow card for shoving a Chapecoense player who had just fouled him.
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Neymar Scores Brace in Santos Return After Brazil's World Cup Exit