On February 23, 2025, the stage is set for the highly anticipated match between Inter de Limeira and Santos, as they clash at the Estádio Major José Levy Sobrinho at 18:30 (Brasília time). This encounter marks the final round of the group stage of the Campeonato Paulista and carries significant weight for both teams involved.
Santos, famously known as Peixe, is currently leading Group B with 15 points, closely chased by Red Bull Bragantino with 14, and both Guarani and Portuguesa at 12 points. After claiming two consecutive victories, Santos enters the match with momentum and confidence. According to reports from Lance, "Um empate já garante o Alvinegro nas quartas de final do Paulistão," highlighting the pressure on Santos to secure at least one point to guarantee their spot in the knockout stage.
On the flip side, Inter de Limeira is fighting for its survival. Currently sitting at the bottom of the group with just 7 points, Inter must win this match to have any hopes of avoiding relegation to Série A2. They have not triumphantly graced the scoreboard this campaign, and as pointed out, "Inter de Limeira não venceu no Paulistão e, portanto, fica abaixo dos dois times," indicating their struggles this season.
The match promises to be thrilling, as both teams have ample reasons to push hard for the win. While Santos aims to assert their dominance and head confidently toward the quarter-finals, Inter de Limeira has everything to lose—failing to collect points could mean dropping out of the elite tier of São Paulo's football.
Broadcasting the match will be Cazé TV on YouTube, as well as platforms like UOL Play and Zapping Sports streaming services, making it accessible for fans eager to catch all the action live.
Both teams are expected to field strong lineups. Santos, under the helm of manager Pedro Caixinha, is anticipated to field its best squad, boasting star player Neymar. Expected starters include goalkeeper Gabriel Brazão; defenders JP Chermont, Zé Ivaldo, Luan Peres, and Escobar; and midfielders Tomás Rincón, Diego Pituca, and Neymar, along with forwards Soteldo, Guilherme, and Tiquinho Soares.
For Inter de Limeira, coach Márcio Fernandes will aim to maximize his team’s chance of victory by putting forth his strongest players. The likely lineup consists of Igo Gabriel; Pablo Diogo, Mariano, Carlão, and Tavares; with Marlon, Ramon, Buchecha, Albano, and Ruan Ribeiro leading the charge on the midfield and attack, alongside Ronie Carillo.
The stakes are high for this enthralling encounter, as the outcome will shape the future for both teams. Santos hopes to secure their position at the top of Group B, readying themselves for the quarter-finals, whilst Inter de Limeira fights tooth and nail to stay afloat within the top tier of the Campeonato Paulista.
With both sides highly motivated, this match is poised to deliver excitement and unpredictability, leaving fans at the edge of their seats!