Neymar leads Santos to Recopa Sudamericana title

RIO DE JANEIRO - Neymar scored his 46th goal of the year on Wednesday as Santos defeated Universidad de Chile 2-0 to secure its first Recopa Sudamericana title.

The Brazil striker netted with a cool finish in the 27th-minute at Sao Paulo's Pacaembu stadium but wasted a chance to double his tally by missing a penalty just before half-time.

Defender Bruno Rodrigo secured the win with a 60th-minute header after a Felipe Anderson free-kick.

The result gave Santos a 2-0 aggregate victory after a 0-0 draw in last month's first leg in Chile's capital Santiago.

Neymar (holding trophy) of Brazil's Santos FC celebrates with teammates after they beat Chile's Universidad de Chile to win the Recopa Sudamericana Championship soccer match in Sao Paulo, Sept 26, 2012. [Photo/Agencies]

"I am very happy - this is yet another title," said Neymar, who at 20 already has six trophies to his name.

"I have to thank all of my teammates and our fans who have given us great support."

Neymar also paid tribute to national teammate Paulo Henrique Ganso, who played in the first leg for Santos before joining Sao Paulo last week.

"I am sad that he is not here because he is my brother, but the most important thing is that he is now happy," said Neymar, who has now scored 46 goals from 54 matches in 2012.

"Paulo is a part of this. He did so much for Santos and helped us in the first match (of the final) in Santiago."

The Recopa Sudamericana pits the winners of the previous year's Copa Libertadores against the reigning Copa Sudamericana champions.

Neymar (L) of Brazil's Santos FC falls while battling Jose Rojas of Chile's Universidad de Chile during their second leg final soccer match of the Recopa Sudamericana Championship in Sao Paulo, Sept 26, 2012. [Photo/Agencies]