Santos secured a victory with a goal from Neymar.
REUTERS/Thiago Bernardes
Flamengo moved to within four points of the league leader this Sunday, with a game in hand, following the 15th round of the 2026 Brasileirão. They earned a 0-1 away win against Gremio, aided by Palmeiras’ 1-1 draw at Remo.
Here are the three key moments that defined the round:
**Is the leader slipping?**
Palmeiras recorded their second consecutive draw, allowing Flamengo to close the gap dangerously. On Sunday, the Verdão struggled against lowly Remo in a match marred by controversy and torrential rain in Belém, which delayed kickoff by nearly two hours. The home side, sitting in the relegation zone, took the lead in the 90th second through Alef Manga, but Paraguayan Ramón Sosa equalized for Palmeiras in the 24th minute. The Verdão played the final half-hour with a man advantage and thought they had snatched a winner in stoppage time via Bruno Fuchs, only for the referee to disallow the goal after a VAR review for a handball by Flaco López, sparking outrage. “This situation is unacceptable. We need urgent measures. It’s pointless to just accept decisions and then see errors like this,” fumed Palmeiras football director Anderson Barros. The Verdão remain top, but now lead Flamengo by just four points, while Remo stays in the relegation zone, six points from safety.
**Flamengo closes in**
The Rio de Janeiro side capitalized on Palmeiras’ slip, reducing the gap with a 0-1 victory over Gremio in Porto Alegre, thanks to a second-half goal from Colombian Jorge Carrascal. Despite the narrow margin, Flamengo dominated the match, leaving Gremio fans whistling and jeering their team. “It was an extremely deserved victory because we were the better side in both halves. Our offensive efficiency wasn’t the best—we hit the woodwork twice—but we were the team that created the most throughout,” said Flamengo coach Leo Jardim. The loss dropped Gremio into the relegation zone with 17 points, one point from safety.
**Neymar celebrates**
With just eight days to go until Brazil’s World Cup 2026 squad is announced, Neymar scored one of two goals in Santos’ 2-0 win over Red Bull Bragantino, capping off a fine individual run. “I’m happy with the goal, happy to help the team and secure the win. We hadn’t won in a while, and today we couldn’t let the victory slip away,” the veteran forward said. “He played a great match: he controlled the ball and created brilliant plays that set up teammates for goals. He scored a beauty and was involved in the second,” praised Santos coach Cuca about the No. 10. 
Neymar has two games left before Carlo Ancelotti reveals Brazil’s squad—both away against Coritiba, one in the Copa do Brasil and one in the league. Santos ended a seven-match winless run, moving one point above the relegation zone, while Bragantino sits seventh, three points off the 2027 Copa Libertadores qualifying spots.
Football | Neymar | Gremio | Palmeiras | Flamengo | Santos | Remo | Serie A Betano