| Santos vs Chapecoens | |
| MATCH | Série A |
| DATE | 26 - 07 - 2026 |
| TIME | 03.00 AM IST |
| STADIUM | Estádio Urbano Caldeira |
Santos vs Chapecoense Preview: Neymar Set to Return as Peixe Look to Pull Clear of Relegation Battle
Santos return to Vila Belmiro on Saturday aiming to halt their recent dip in form and move further away from the Brasileirão relegation zone. Standing in their way is bottom-placed Chapecoense, who are desperate to revive their campaign after a difficult first half of the season.
Match Preview
Santos head into the weekend under pressure following a disappointing run of results, but the return to Vila Belmiro offers a welcome opportunity to regain momentum. The club has endured a turbulent month both on and off the pitch, including another FIFA transfer ban, yet their primary focus remains securing valuable points in the league.
The Peixe currently sit 15th in the Brasileirão standings with 21 points. Their recent form has been inconsistent, with three defeats and two draws in their last five league matches, including a narrow 2-1 loss away to Botafogo. Away from home, Santos have struggled all season, failing to register a single league victory while collecting five draws and four defeats in nine road games.
Fortunately for Alexi Stival's side, home form has been considerably stronger. Santos have won three of their last five league matches at Vila Belmiro, where the passionate home crowd has often helped create an intimidating atmosphere for visiting teams.
Tactically, Santos continue to emphasize possession-based football, building attacks through central areas rather than relying on crosses into the box. The team aims to control the pace of matches while avoiding the lapses in concentration that have cost valuable points in recent weeks.
Since taking charge in March, Alexi Stival has made steady progress despite working with limited transfer resources. His first objective—guiding Santos away from the relegation zone before the World Cup break—was successfully achieved, and the club now hopes to build on that foundation during the second half of the campaign.
Experienced stars Neymar and Gabigol remain the team's key creative forces. Their quality and leadership provide Santos with greater confidence in high-pressure moments, and supporters will once again look to the duo to inspire an important home victory.
Chapecoense, meanwhile, arrive at Vila Belmiro facing an uphill battle. The visitors sit at the foot of the Brasileirão table with just nine points from 19 matches and have already changed managers twice this season before appointing Rafael Lacerda in May.
The Santa Catarina club have managed only one league victory throughout the first half of the campaign. Their struggles are reflected in both ends of the pitch, owning the league's weakest attack with just 17 goals scored and the poorest defensive record after conceding 39 times.
Any hopes of a comfortable mid-table finish have long disappeared. Chapecoense are now fully focused on closing the growing gap to safety, knowing every dropped point makes survival increasingly difficult.
Their confidence also suffered after a heavy 4-0 defeat to Flamengo in their previous league outing, exposing the significant gap between themselves and the division's stronger sides.
However, Chapecoense will draw encouragement from their earlier meeting with Santos this season. They secured an entertaining 4-2 victory at home, proving they have already shown they can trouble Saturday's opponents despite their difficult campaign.
Recent Form
Santos (Brasileirão): D – W – L – L – W – L
Santos (All Competitions): L – W – W – W – L – W
Chapecoense (Brasileirão): D – L – L – L – L – L
Chapecoense (All Competitions): L – L – W – W – L – L
Team News
Santos will be without striker Tiquinho Soares after his contract was terminated following the end of his loan spell at Mirassol. Midfielders Gustavo Henrique and Joao Schmidt also remain unavailable as they continue recovering from thigh injuries.
There is far more positive news regarding Neymar. After being rested during Santos' Copa Sudamericana fixture following his return from holiday, the Brazilian superstar trained normally during the week and has been included in the matchday squad.
New signing Gustavo Caballero has also been registered with the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) and could make his debut from the bench.
Chapecoense continue to battle a lengthy injury list. First-choice goalkeeper Anderson remains unavailable alongside Rafael Carvalheira, Robert Santos, Joao Paulo, and Victor Caetano, all of whom are still undergoing rehabilitation.
The visitors have also lost attacking option Italo, who is expected to complete a loan move to South Korea. With limited alternatives available, Rafael Lacerda is likely to rely on a similar lineup to the one that suffered defeat against Flamengo.
Prediction
While Santos have struggled for consistency, their home performances have been significantly stronger than their away displays. Chapecoense remain rooted to the bottom of the table, possess the league's weakest defensive record, and arrive with several key absentees.
With Neymar back in the squad and home advantage on their side, Santos should have enough quality to secure an important three points.
Prediction: Santos 3-1 Chapecoense
