Shabab Qayis Overview

Neymar marked his return from injury in style by coming off the bench to score twice from the spot and rescue a 2-2 draw for Santos against Flamengo on Thursday. The talismanic forward halted the Serie A leaders' winning momentum at Vila Belmiro, providing title rivals Palmeiras with a major boost during a frantic second half.

Midweek opportunities in the Brazilian Serie A allow us to capitalise on teams with strong attacking and defensive profiles. We assess the key ones.

Santos head coach Cuca has jumped to the defence of Neymar following a frustrating display in the Copa do Brasil, albeit while admitting the superstar forward was "a bit below par" during their 0-0 stalemate against Cortiba. The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain man’s performance compounded another difficult evening for the Brazilian side, who have managed just one win in their last six outings, and Cuca has confirmed he won't play in their next fixture.

They say you should never meet your heroes, but Brazilian teenage prodigy Dell probably wouldn't agree. The Bahia and Brazil Under-17s striker has idolised Erling Haaland since he was a child, so imagine the excitement he got when, one day in training, he received a video message from the Manchester City hitman.