Barreal strike earns Santos point at Internacional

A second-half strike from Argentine winger Alvaro Barreal earned relegation-threatened Santos a 1-1 draw at Internacional in Brazil's Serie A on Monday.

Alan Patrick fired the hosts ahead with a first-time effort from six yards after Rafael Borre flicked on Alan Rodriguez's lofted pass.

Barreal, who replaced Victor Hugo at halftime, equalized just after the hour by controlling Ze Rafael's cross with his chest before thumping a low shot that beat goalkeeper Sergio Rochet at his far post.

The result at Beira-Rio Stadium leaves Santos stuck in the relegation zone with 38 points, three behind Internacional with three matchdays remaining.

In Monday's only other Brazilian top-flight fixture, Mirassol bolstered its chances of a top-four finish with a 3-0 home rout of Ceara. The team from Sao Paulo state now has 63 points from 35 games, five points clear of fifth-placed Botafogo. Ceara is 14th with 42 points.