Santos and Bahia face off tonight at 20:30 (Brasília time) at the iconic Vila Belmiro stadium in Santos, São Paulo, for the second round of the 2025 Campeonato Brasileiro. Both teams are eager to secure their first victory in the league after rocky starts.
For Santos, the match comes on the heels of a disappointing debut, where they lost 2-1 to Vasco da Gama. The Peixe, under the guidance of coach Pedro Caixinha, is looking to bounce back and make a strong impression in front of their home crowd. "It's crucial for us to win tonight to alleviate some of the pressure on the team," Caixinha stated ahead of the match.
However, the Santos squad will be without their star player, Neymar, who remains sidelined due to an injury. Neymar is currently recovering from an edema in his left thigh and is undergoing muscle strengthening exercises. The expectation is that he will return to action for the match against Fluminense in the third round of the Brasileirão.
Despite Neymar's absence, Santos will see the return of Yeferson Soteldo, who is expected to play a key role in the attack. The probable lineup for Santos includes goalkeeper Gabriel Brazão, defenders JP Chermont, Gil, Zé Ivaldo, and Escobar, with João Schmidt, Gabriel Bontempo, and Soteldo in midfield. Up front, Rollheiser, Guilherme (likely replaced by Álvaro Barreal), and Tiquinho Soares are set to lead the charge.
On the other side, Bahia arrives at Vila Belmiro after two draws, one against Corinthians in their league opener and another against Internacional in the Copa Sul-Americana. Coach Rogério Ceni's squad is determined to secure points away from home, especially after a strong showing in the Campeonato Baiano, where they claimed the title.
Unfortunately for Bahia, they will also be missing key players. Midfielder Everton Ribeiro is suspended after receiving a red card in the previous match, and Michel Araujo and Gabriel Xavier are both out due to injuries. The Tricolor's lineup is expected to feature goalkeeper Ronaldo, with Gilberto, Kanu, Ramos Mingo, and Luciano Juba in defense. The midfield will consist of Caio Alexandre, Jean Lucas, and Rodrigo Nestor, while the attacking trio will include Cauly, Erick Pulga, and Luciano Rodríguez.
In a pre-match interview, Nestor expressed the team's readiness for the challenge, saying, "It's an iconic stadium where legends have played. We've prepared well and are looking to leave with a victory. It's going to be tough, but we believe in our ability to perform well."
As the match approaches, anticipation is building among fans. Santos is known for its strong home performances, and despite their recent struggles, they are favored to dominate the game. Betting odds suggest a victory for Santos, who rarely drops points at home. However, Bahia's recent form cannot be overlooked, as they boast an impressive record with only two losses in their last 23 matches.
The referee for tonight's match will be Alex Gomes Stefano from Rio de Janeiro, assisted by Guilherme Dias Camilo and Luiz Claudio Regazone.
This clash is not just about points; it's also a matter of pride for both teams. Santos aims to regain their status as a national powerhouse, while Bahia seeks to establish itself as a formidable contender in the league. Fans can catch all the action live on Premiere and Sportv, or follow along with real-time updates on ge.
As the clock ticks down to kickoff, both teams are prepared for battle, each with their own motivations and aspirations. The stakes are high, and the atmosphere at Vila Belmiro promises to be electric. Who will emerge victorious in this thrilling encounter? The answer will unfold in the coming hours as Santos and Bahia clash in this pivotal match of the Campeonato Brasileiro.
