Neymar's first competitive goal for Barcelona and an injury worry for Lionel Messi puts the Brazil forward in the running for a place in the starting line up at Malaga in La Liga this weekend.
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The 21-year-old, who cost Barca €57 million, came on as a second-half substitute and nodded in at the back post as the champions came from behind to draw 1-1 at King's Cup winners Atletico Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup first leg on Wednesday.
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Barca coach Gerardo Martino has tried to keep the pressure off the youngster, calling for patience from fans, and has only used him as a substitute in last Sunday's La Liga opening 7-0 rout of Levante and against Atletico.
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The Argentine brought Neymar on in the 59th minute at the Calderon with the side trailing against an abrasive and well-organised Atletico, and he shrugged off the animosity of the home crowd to head the equaliser.
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"I score very few goals with my head so for this reason I value them more," Neymar told reporters.
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"I'm pleased with the goal because it helped my colleagues. The important thing is to help the team."
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Neymar arrived at the Nou Camp with a reputation as a flashy dribbler, and touted as a player who would help divert attention and defenders away from World Player of the Year Messi.
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However, his first few performances have been relatively subdued as he has appeared keen to show himself to be a team player rather than a show pony.
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By scoring an important goal in testing circumstances - Atletico had bettered Barca for best part of an hour - Neymar also displayed a predator's eye for goal.
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Messi was withdrawn at halftime in the Calderon, more as a precautionary measure because of bruising Martino said, and is to undergo further tests on Thursday.