Manchester City midfielder Rodri had twice given the hosts a lead from the spot, but the South Americans – fresh from a 1-0 win over England – continued to fight, as teenager Endrick once again registered on the scoresheet. Dani Olmo and Rodrygo also scored in a rollercoaster game.
Spain and Brazil proved that the international break is anything but boring with a thrilling 3-3 draw including two penalties in the last 10 minutes that showed both sides are forces to be feared ahead of Euro 2024 and Copa America.
The hosts had the better of the first-half and looked to be cruising when Dani Olmo scored their second with 10 minutes to go after a Rodri penalty.
However, a howler from Unai Simon gave Brazil a lifeline and the half-time introduction of Endrick once again changed the complexion of the match as the fourth-youngest Brazilian goalscorer in history doubled his international tally almost immediately.
Both sides had chances to win the helter-skelter game but Rodri’s second penalty in the 87th minute appeared to have settled the score – until debutant Galeno won a spot-kick of his own at the death and Lucas Paqueta converted to secure what was likely a fair result for both sides.
Pep Guardiola – who knows a thing or two about talent in the middle of the park – made headlines when he anointed Rodri the best midfielder in the world, but as Jude Bellingham rescued England against Belgium, the Spaniard reinforced his claim to that title on Bellingham’s own stomping ground.
After missing training in the build-up to this game due to personal issues, Rodri’s emotional response to his opener reflected what had been a fizzing start by the hosts.
They harried Brazil deep in opposition territory and never allowed their guests a moment to settle in, keeping up that tempo for most of a breathless first half. However, Simon’s error just five minutes before the break was punished brilliantly by Rodrygo and Endrick – his future Real Madrid teammate – proved he’ll be right at home at the Bernabeu by smartly lashing in a difficult first-time finish to level things on 50 minutes.
The second-half started as a mirror image of the first with Spain unable to build any possession in the face of a ruthless Brazilian press but after the initial fervour wore off, the visiting defence was pushed deeper and deeper into their own penalty area while mostly restricting Spain to long-range efforts.
Dani Carvajal flooring Galeno ended what had been Brazil’s first real chance in the final quarter but that didn’t disturb Paqueta, who sent Simon the wrong way to rescue a draw that had everyone wanting a little more – especially the neutrals.
