| Santos vs Mirassol | |
| MATCH | Serie A |
| DATE | 24 - 08 - 2026 |
| TIME | 03.00 AM IST |
| STADIUM | Estádio Urbano |
Santos vs Mirassol: Match Preview
Santos welcome Mirassol to the Vila Belmiro looking to build on an important victory and move further away from the relegation battle in the Brazilian Championship.
The hosts head into the contest with renewed confidence after a convincing 3-0 victory away to Vasco da Gama. That result ended a three-match winless run and moved Santos up to 14th place with 25 points.
Another victory would be valuable for Cuca's side as they attempt to create more breathing room above the relegation zone. Santos have also been producing goals recently, scoring nine times across their last five Brasileirao matches.
Their home form, however, has been inconsistent. Santos have collected five wins, three draws and four defeats from their 12 league matches at the Vila Belmiro.
The head-to-head record offers encouragement, though. Santos have never lost to Mirassol at home, winning eight and drawing two of their 10 previous meetings.
Santos have also enjoyed a boost from their Copa Sudamericana campaign. They defeated Macara 2-1 at home before securing a 0-0 draw in Ecuador to reach the quarter-finals. With their continental commitments temporarily on hold, their focus now returns to the Brasileirao.
Neymar, Gabigol, Igor Vinicius and Barreal were rested for the second leg against Macara and could return to the starting lineup.
Mirassol Under Pressure
Mirassol arrive in a very different mood after suffering a disappointing Copa Libertadores exit.
The club drew 0-0 with LDU Quito after 90 minutes before losing 5-4 on penalties, bringing their historic first Libertadores campaign to an end in the last 16.
Despite the elimination, Rafael Guanaes praised his players for their tactical discipline and organisation, particularly given the difficult conditions in Quito.
The focus now switches completely to domestic football, where Mirassol desperately need points. They currently have 23 points and sit 17th in the table, placing them inside the relegation zone.
Their previous league match was particularly damaging, with Mirassol suffering a heavy 5-1 home defeat against Flamengo.
Away form has also been a major concern. They have won just once in 10 Brasileirao matches on the road, highlighting the challenge facing Guanaes' team at the Vila Belmiro.
The physical demands of the trip to Ecuador could also play a role, with Mirassol having to recover quickly before returning to domestic action.
Team News
Santos will be without four players. Vinicius Lira, Gabriel Menino, Lucas Verissimo and Gabriel Bontempo remain sidelined with injuries.
Several players are also one booking away from suspension. Luan Peres, Escobar, Joao Schmidt, Thaciano, Barreal and Gabriel Barbosa are all carrying two yellow cards.
Cuca is expected to restore several regular starters after rotating his squad in the Copa Sudamericana, with Neymar and Gabigol among those pushing for a return.
Mirassol will also be missing four players. Negueba, Edson Carioca and Aldo Filho remain injured, while Denilson is suspended after collecting his third yellow card.
Lucas Oliveira, Reinaldo, Victor Luis, Alex Muralha and Alesson are all one yellow card away from suspension.
Santos vs Mirassol Prediction
Santos appear to have the momentum heading into this encounter. Their recent 3-0 victory, improved attacking form and excellent home record against Mirassol make them strong favourites.
Mirassol's poor away record and the physical demands of their Libertadores campaign could make the task even harder.
Prediction: Santos 2-0 Mirassol
