Santos and Red Bull Bragantino will clash at Estadio Urbano Caldeira on Sunday evening as part of the 2026 Brasileiro season. Santos currently sits 16th in the league with 15 points, going without a victory in their last seven matches. In contrast, Bragantino occupies seventh place, buoyed by back-to-back victories across competitions.
Santos’ Current Position and Recent Form
Returning to their home ground, Santos aims to break their winless streak. The team has struggled recently, recording six draws and one loss across the Brasileiro, Copa do Brasil, and Sudamericana. Their last win came on April 11 against Atletico Mineiro in matchweek 11.
- Current standings: 16th in Serie A
- Points: 15 from 14 matches
- Recent matches: Seven matches without a win
With a record of three wins, six draws, and five losses, Santos faces a crucial match. They are just outside the relegation zone, with Corinthians closely trailing them, having the same point tally, similar wins, draws, and losses. The only separating factor is goal difference.
Managerial Pressure on Santos
Head coach Alexi Stival is under scrutiny, having achieved only two wins in 12 matches — a mere 36% success rate. If Santos fails to secure a win against Bragantino, he risks matching the club’s longest winless streak.
Bragantino’s Momentum
Bragantino enters the match with a strong sense of confidence. They recently outclassed Blooming with a 6-0 victory in the Sudamericana, marking their second-biggest away win in the competition’s history.
- Current standings: 7th in Serie A
- Points: 20 from 14 matches
- Recent matches: Back-to-back wins
This successful run has propelled Bragantino from ninth to seventh in the league, revitalizing their campaign after previous setbacks against Palmeiras and River Plate.
Team Updates Ahead of the Match
Santos will miss key player Thaciano due to a thigh muscle injury sustained during a Sudamericana match. Other notable injury concerns include Gustavo Henrique and Mayke. Goalkeeper Gabriel Brazao will also miss the match due to suspension.
Bragantino, meanwhile, has no new injury concerns. Eduardo’s participation remains uncertain, while David Gomes and others are still sidelined.
Possible Lineups
| Santos | Bragantino |
|---|---|
| Diogenes | Cleiton |
| Vinicius | Hurtado |
| Verissimo | Henrique |
| Peres | Marques |
| Escobar | Capixaba |
| Schmidt, Oliva, Bontempo, Rollheiser | Fabinho, Gabriel Barbosa; |
| Neymar | Sasha |
| Gabigol | Herrera |
Match Prediction
The outlook slightly favors Bragantino ahead of the fixture. Santos’ recent history is concerning, as they have repeatedly surrendered leads in matches. Meanwhile, Bragantino appears well-equipped to capitalize on Santos’ vulnerabilities and secure a victory.
Given current form and momentum, the prediction leans towards a Bragantino 2-1 victory over Santos.
