SAO PAULO, Sept. 27 (Xinhua) -- Argentine striker Andre Rios scored late as relegation-threatened Vasco da Gama salvaged a 1-1 draw with Santos in Brazil's Serie A championship on Thursday.
Diego Pitaco gave Santos the lead at the Pacaembu Stadium in Sao Paulo by poking in from close range after a Carlos Sanchez cross from the left.
Rios equalized with a bullet header 11 minutes from time after Yago Pikachu's perfectly weighted cross.
Vasco were reduced to 10 men when midfielder Andrey was shown a second yellow card for a rash challenge on Real Madrid-bound teenager Rodrygo.
But the visitors held on to secure a point that could prove telling in the battle to avoid relegation.
Vasco are 16th in the 20-team standings, just a point clear of the drop zone with 12 matches remaining in the season. Eight-time Serie A champions Santos are 11th, 18 points behind leaders Sao Paulo and nine points shy of the Copa Libertadores places. Enditem
