Ronaldinho could only watch in admiration as Neymar did what he has done so many times before.
The 20-year-old Brazilian sensation scored a wonderful solo goal Wednesday, dribbling past lurching defenders before beating the goalkeeper with a cool finish … just like the Ronaldinho of old.
Neymar’s goal gave Santos an early 2-0 lead against Ronaldinho’s Atletico Mineiro, but the thrilling Brazilian Serie A game ended in a 2-2 draw.
In the 11th minute, Neymar was set to receive a pass just inside the Mineiro half. He flicked the ball around one marker and ghosted past another. His dribble took him toward the penalty area, where he was met by another defender. He was able to open some space with a feint and slotted his shot past the diving goalkeeper.
It’s worth noting that Neymar was fresh off a 20-hour flight from Poland, where he was playing with Brazil’s national team the day before. But he was determined to make his 200th appearance for his club, even wearing a special jersey bearing the number 200.
Ronaldinho, the two-time FIFA World Player of the Year, is enjoying a fruitful season with Mineiro, but watching Neymar’s exploits had to drum up some nostalgia inside of the 32-year-old. After all, he hasn’t scored a solo goal like that since August.
See Neymar’s stunning goal in the video below.
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Thumbnail photo via Twitter/@JoseGuilhermeBo
