MADRID — Brazilian recruit Neymar scored his first goal for Barcelona to secure a 1-1 draw at Atletico Madrid on Wednesday after Lionel Messi left the field injured in the first leg of the Spanish Super Cup.
Atletico's David Villa enjoyed the perfect start against his former club by scoring the opening goal in the 12th minute. Villa left Barcelona following the arrival of Neymar in the offseason.
Messi was replaced at halftime with a left thigh problem and Neymar went on in the 59th. Just seven minutes later, he headed in the equalizer from a pass by Dani Alves.
The 21-year-old Neymar joined the Spanish champions from Brazilian club Santos for €57 million in June, the eighth most expensive signing in football history.
And after two appearances, both as a substitute as he recovers from anemia, he has his first goal.
The return leg will be played at Barcelona's Camp Nou next Wednesday after this weekend's league fixtures.
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