📹 Neymar scores and causes a stir on his Santos return | OneFootball

In a friendly match held at the Kleber Andrade Stadium in Cariacica, Espírito Santo, Santos defeated Desportiva Ferroviária 3-1 this Thursday (10).

Recovered from injury and with his contract renewed until the end of the year, Neymar returned to the starting lineup for Peixe.

And the 33-year-old forward was the big highlight of the first half.

With a new look, Neymar seemed a bit nervous with some of the tougher tackles from the opponents.

But he also showed his old quality in the penalty kick that opened the scoring for Santos.

This is the forward’s fourth goal since his return at the start of the year. The other three were in the Paulistão (against Água Santa, Inter de Limeira, and RB Bragantino).

Neymar also provided the assist for Guilherme to shoot across goal and extend the lead for Peixe. This was also his fourth assist since returning. The others were against Água Santa and two against Inter de Limeira.

Want a sombrero/flick over the opponent? There was that too!

And, heading into halftime, Neymar spoke about the importance of the friendly as preparation for the return of the Brasileirão.

"The importance of playing a friendly like this is precisely the rhythm. We've gone some time without playing. It's very important for our restart in the Brazilian Championship. I feel much better. There's no comparison to when I arrived. I'm getting better physically, feeling better. That makes me happy."

Neymar did not return for the second half, being replaced by Padula.

In the final stage, Mariano pulled one back for the hosts, while Diego Pituca took advantage of an assist from Robinho Jr, who made his professional debut, to extend the lead for Peixe.

The friendly ended up being called off at the 40th minute of the second half due to multiple pitch invasions.

In 15th place with 11 points, Santos was set to resume the season next weekend in the derby against Palmeiras, but the match was postponed by the CBF.

Thus, Peixe will only return to official action on Wednesday, July 16, when they host Flamengo at Vila Belmiro for the 14th round of the Brasileirão.

Featured photo: Publicity/X Santos FC

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.