Neymar struck by missile in Santos defeat

Rio de Janeiro: Brazilian star Neymar was struck by an object thrown from the crowd in Santos` 1-2 loss at Bolivar in Libertadores Cup last-16 first leg in La Paz.

Bolivar were lucky that the match Wednesday was not suspended for the act of violence. Chilean referee Enrique Osses warned Bolivar he would suspend the match if there was a repeat of the incident. Santos` ace Neymar was taking a corner in the 78th minute and was struck by an object thrown from the crowd and fell to ground clutching his face at the Hernando Siles stadium in the Bolivian capital. Neymar though got up soon enough but struggled to make an impact on the match, noticeably suffering from the effects of 3600m high altitude. The away goal means Santos only needs to win the return match 1-0 to advance to the quarter-finals. IANS