Alves goal secures point for Sao Paulo against Santos

Soccer Football - Brasileiro Championship - Palmeiras v Sao Paulo - Allianz Parque, Sao Paulo, Brazil - October 30, 2019 Sao Paulo's Dani Alves during the warm up REUTERS/Amanda Perobelli

SANTOS (Reuters) - A second-half goal from Dani Alves rescued a point for Sao Paulo in a 1-1 draw at rivals Santos on Saturday.

Carlos Sanchez put the home side ahead from the penalty spot in the eighth minute but Alves, back in Brazil after spells with Barcelona, Juventus and Paris St Germain, hammered home an equaliser 10 minutes into the second half after good work on the left from Vitor Bueno.

The result leaves Santos in third place in Brazil's Serie A with 65 points from 33 games, 13 behind champions-elect Flamengo and two adrift of second-place Palmeiras, who have a game in hand.

Soccer Football - Brasileiro Championship - Santos v Sao Paulo - Urbano Caldeira Stadium, Santos, Brazil - November 16, 2019 Sao Paulo players pose for a team group photo before the match REUTERS/Rahel Patrasso

Sao Paulo are in fifth on 53 points as their inconsistent season continues.

Soccer Football - Brasileiro Championship - Santos v Sao Paulo - Urbano Caldeira Stadium, Santos, Brazil - November 16, 2019 Santos' Marinho in action with Sao Paulo's Robert Arboleda REUTERS/Rahel Patrasso

(Reporting by Andrew Downie; Editing by Toby Davis)