Neymar hat-trick sinks Cruzeiro

Neymar scored a stunning hat-trick to lead Santos to a comfortable 4-0 victory over Cruzeiro in the Brasileirao, a feat which prompted a standing ovation from the opposition supporters.

The 20-year-old Brazilian took his tally for the season to 12 league goals - giving him the best overall goals to game ratio - despite missing a number of games due to international commitments, including a three-week spell at the Olympic Games.

"Today is a historic day and I'm so emotional that I could cry," Neymar said after the match. "I will carry what the Cruzeiro fans did today in my heart forever.

"Now I see Cruzeiro like my second home, I am really moved. The feeling is marvellous and it's why playing football is such a joy."

Neymar opened his account in the 11th minute when he diverted a low cross into the net at the near post, and slotted in another from 15 yards out following some sloppy Cruzeiro defending ten minutes before the break.

After the interval he turned provider for Felipe Anderson with a run down the right and low cross, before completing his hat-trick by converting an easy chance set up by Ezequiel Miralles.

Santos are now up to ninth in the table with 46 points from 33 games, moving three ahead of Cruzeiro.