Neymar scored and provided an assist for Santos' 3-0 win over Sport Recife in the 36th round of the Brazilian top flight, BTA reports. The success is key for the team, which is fighting for survival in the Brazilian top flight.
Neymar opened the scoring in the 25th minute. Santos sealed the win with an own goal from Lucas Cal and a goal after the break from Joao Schmitt after a cross from Neymar's corner.
Neymar, 33, suffered an injury at the end of the 1-1 draw with Mirasol in the previous round and was expected to miss the rest of the season with a knee problem, but he overcame the pain to play and help his team in the fight to stay in the elite.
Santos has 41 points and climbed to 15th place in the standings. Sport Recife is in last place with 17 points.
„There was a lot of speculation and allegations that were not true. People should be careful with their statements because they affect others. Honestly, physically my knee is not in the best condition, but I did not go against the doctors' advice, as many in the media reported. "We all consulted and the final decision was mine. I have no intention of sacrificing my career by playing tonight," ZM quoted Neymar as saying.