Santos vs São Paulo: Preview, Lineups & Watch Guide

In the heart of Brazilian football fervor, the iconic San-São derby lights up Vila Belmiro on February 4, 2026, at 8 PM Brasília time. This Round 2 Brasileirão Serie A showdown pits a beleaguered Santos against a resurgent São Paulo, promising tension, talent, and tactical battles. As Everythiiing.com's coverage brings you the latest, we'll break down the forms, lineups, viewing options, and what to expect in this pivotal clash.

Match Background and Stakes

The Brasileirão 2026 season is already heating up, and for Santos, this home fixture against rivals São Paulo couldn't come at a worse—or more opportune—time. The Peixe are mired in a six-game winless streak across competitions, teetering near the relegation zone in the Campeonato Paulista and stunned by a late comeback loss to Chapecoense in their Serie A opener. Fan frustration boils over, with coach Juan Pablo Vojvoda under fire and the boardroom duo of president Marcelo Teixeira and executive Alexandre Mattos bearing the brunt of criticism. A win here isn't just points; it's a lifeline to steady the ship.

Contrast that with São Paulo, the Tricolor riding high on a two-match winning run that includes a gritty victory over Santos in the Paulista and a statement upset against Flamengo. Their Serie A debut triumph over the Rubro-Negro has transformed the atmosphere at Morumbi, shifting focus from survival scraps to playoff aspirations. Under Hernán Crespo, São Paulo's blend of experience and youth is clicking, making them favorites to extend their momentum.

This derby, known for its passion and unpredictability, could swing the early-season narrative. Santos need to harness Vila Belmiro's electric atmosphere to spark a turnaround, while São Paulo aims to inflict further pain on their coastal foes.

Where to Watch Santos vs São Paulo Live

For US fans eager to catch the action, the match broadcasts on Premiere, the go-to channel for top-tier Brazilian football. Streaming options include the Premiere app or services like Fanatiz and beIN Sports Connect, which often carry Serie A games stateside. Kickoff is at 5 PM PT / 8 PM ET, perfect for evening viewing.

Stay glued to live updates via ge.globo's real-time coverage, offering minute-by-minute commentary, stats, and highlights. No blackouts here—every goal, tackle, and controversy will be at your fingertips. If you're in Brazil, Premiere dominates, but international viewers should check local listings for VPN-friendly streams.

Key Broadcast Details

• Date: February 4, 2026
• Time: 8 PM Brasília (5 PM PT / 8 PM ET)
• Venue: Vila Belmiro, Santos, SP
• TV/Stream: Premiere, ge.globo (live text)

Predicted Lineups and Team News

Santos: Desperation Mode Under Vojvoda

Santos' lineup reflects their injury woes and recovery timelines. Star forward Neymar, back in training, sits this one out as he nears full fitness—expect him against Noroeste this weekend in the Paulistão. Tiquinho Soares might return, adding firepower up top.

Probable XI (4-3-3): Gabriel Brazão (GK); Igor Vinicius, Adonis Frías, Luan Peres, Vinicius Lira (DEF); João Schmidt, Zé Rafael, Gabriel Menino (MID); Barreal, Gabigol, Rony (FWD).

Out: Neymar (recovery), Gustavo Henrique (thigh adductor muscle injury), Thaciano (transition phase), Willian Arão (post-kidney stone surgery). The reliance on Gabigol and Rony for goals underscores Santos' attacking fragility, with midfield maestro Zé Rafael key to breaking São Paulo's press.

São Paulo: Crespo's Winning Formula Intact

No major shake-ups for the visitors, who deployed their strongest side against Santos and Flamengo recently. Crespo will tweak only for fatigue or injury risks, prioritizing continuity.

Probable XI (4-2-3-1): Rafael (GK); Alan Franco (or Dória), Arboleda, Sabino (DEF); Maik (or Cédric), Danielzinho, Bobadilla, Marcos Antônio (or Pablo Maia), Enzo Diaz (MID); Luciano, Calleri (FWD).

Out: Ryan Francisco and André Silva (injured). Calleri's predatory instincts and Luciano's creativity make São Paulo's attack lethal, backed by a solid defensive unit led by Arboleda.

Arbitration and Officiating

Referee Anderson Daronco from Rio Grande do Sul takes charge, assisted by Rafael da Silva Alves and Tiago Augusto Kappes Diel. Fourth official: Murilo Tarrega Victor (SP). VAR: Rodrigo Nunes de Sá (RJ). Daronco's no-nonsense style suits derbies, but expect appeals over tight calls in this heated rivalry.

Analysis and Prediction

Santos' home advantage at Vila Belmiro—where the crowd's roar can intimidate—clashes with São Paulo's form edge. The Peixe's defensive lapses (evident in the Chapecoense defeat) could be exploited by Calleri's finishing, while São Paulo's counter-threats test Vojvoda's setup.

Historically, San-São ties are tight: Santos won their last Paulista meeting, but São Paulo's recent derby dominance tips the scales. Prediction: A 1-2 São Paulo win, with Luciano scoring the decider. Yet, football's magic means a Santos upset isn't impossible if Gabigol ignites.

This match transcends points—it's about pride, survival, and resurgence in Brazilian soccer's grand theater. Follow Everythiiing.com for post-match reactions and deeper dives into the Brasileirão's unfolding drama.

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