Neymar rescues point for Santos against Flamengo

RIO DE JANEIRO, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- Neymar scored two late penalties as Santos recovered from 2-0 down to salvage a 2-2 home draw against leader Flamengo in Brazil's Serie A on Thursday.

Danilo and Lucas Paqueta scored first-half goals for the visitors but the momentum shifted after former Italy midfielder Jorginho was sent off for handball in the penalty area.

Neymar converted the resultant spot kick and held his nerve again six minutes later after Luiz Araujo brought down Gabriel Barbosa.

Flamengo remains a point clear of second-placed Palmeiras while Santos, unbeaten in its past eight Serie A outings, is eighth in the 20-team standings.

"After our first goal, we took control of the game and we could have had a better result," Neymar said after the match.

"But we were playing against Flamengo, which is the best team in the country without doubt. It was a great match for anyone who likes watching football with both teams attacking relentlessly."

Elsewhere in Brazil's top flight on Thursday, Fluminense cruised to a 4-0 home win over Coritiba, Palmeiras edged to a 1-0 home victory over Bahia and Atletico Mineiro drew 2-2 at Athletico Paranaense. ■