Luis Suarez rolled back the years with a 19-minute hat-trick as Gremio claimed a thrilling comeback victory in a top of the table clash against Botafogo. 

The away side found themselves 3-1 down at the start of the second half after Marlon Freitas’s effort extended Botafogo’s lead which had been earned by goals from former Chelsea striker Diego Costa and Junior Santos. 

Fogo were hoping to end a dismal run of three consecutive defeats that had seen them lose grip on their stranglehold of the league but conceded within just four minutes of Freitas’s strike. 

The victory saw Gremio join their hosts on 59 points at the top of the Brazilian Serie A. Alongside the pair sit Palmeiras, also level on points, while Bragantino are just one point behind.

Luis Suarez scored a stunning hat-trick to earn a comeback win for his side against Botafogo

The 36-year-old took his tally in the Brazilian Serie A for Gremio to 14 goals in 28 matches 

Suarez is set to be reunited with Messi, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets at MLS side Inter Miami

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In fact, after 32 games just five points separate the top six teams in the division in what is shaping up to be a thrilling conclusion to the league season. 

It’s quite the turnaround for Fogo, who earned an immediate return to the Brazilian top-flight last season following their shock relegation in 2021. 

Suarez has been in sensational form since moving to the Porto Alegre-based side in January, scoring 14 goals and providing 10 assists in 28 league outings. 

The Uruguayan has been linked with a move to Inter Miami in recent months, allowing him to reunite with friend and former Barcelona colleague Lionel Messi. 

According to ESPN, the MLS outfit have already agreed a deal with the forward who will sign a one-year deal with an option for a second. 

Gremio manager Renato Gaucho confirmed last month that the striker would leave the Brazilian club in December – at the conclusion of the Serie A season.

Suarez had also previously acknowledged that the Herons contacted his club in the middle of the year.