Neymar returns to the Santos starting lineup for the direct confrontation against Sport, this Friday, November 28, 2025, at 9:30 pm, at Estádio Urbano Caldeira, known as Vila Belmiro, in Santos (SP). The game is valid for the 36th round of Brasileirão Betano, and Peixe is looking for victory to escape the relegation zone, where it occupies 17th place with 38 points. Sport, already relegated to Série B, closes the table with 17 points and meets the table in the match.
Coach Juan Pablo Vojvoda chose to use Neymar in attack, despite concerns about an injury to the meniscus in his left knee, postponing a possible surgery to prioritize the Santos campaign. The confirmed lineup for Santos is: Gabriel Brazão; Igor Vinicius, Adonis Frías, Zé Ivaldo and Souza; João Schmidt, Willian Arão and Rollheiser; Barreal, Guilherme and Neymar. Do side of Sport, coach César Ricardo of Lucena sends to the field: Gabriel Vasconcelos; Matheus Alexandre, Rafael Thyere, Ramon Menezes and Luan Cândido; C. Rivera, Lucas Kal and Lucas Lima; Matheusinho, Léo Pereira and Pablo.
The match can be followed live on channels Sportv and Premiere, with narration starting at 9:30 pm, Brasília time. Referee Felipe Fernandes of Lima whistles the duel, assisted by flags and VAR, in a confrontation that promises intensity due to Santos’ need for points.
- Main absences from Santos: Gonzalo Escobar (thigh injury) and constant monitoring of Neymar.
- Absences of Sport: Diogo Hereda, Pedro Augusto, Derik Lacerda and Kevyson (suspended).
- Recent history: Santos beat Sport 2-0 in the first round, in Recife.
Santos pressure in the final stretch
Santos arrives at the game pressured by the proximity of relegation, with just one point separating the team from Vitória, in 16th place. Nos last five games, Peixe registered four draws and one defeat, showing defensive solidity but lack of precision in attack.
Neymar, who played in just 17 of the 35 rounds due to recurring injuries, represents hope for change in this scenario. Seu’s return to training this Thursday raised spirits in the squad, and Vojvoda confirmed his starting position after tactical tests.
The fans fill the Vila Belmiro, with tickets sold out since the previous Sunday, creating a favorable environment for the home team.
Sport challenges in the flashlight
Sport faces the eighth consecutive match without a win, with a defense that has conceded goals in all of the last ten games. The Pernambuco team, coached by Lucena since September, prioritizes young people from the base to gain experience in the elite.
Pablo, the team’s top scorer with six goals this season, leads the attack alongside Léo Pereira, but creating plays depends on Lucas Lima in midfield.
Despite the confirmed relegation, Leão seeks to end the year with dignity, avoiding a historic losing campaign.
Tactical strategies in focus
Vojvoda adopts an offensive 4-3-3 to explore the flanks with Igor Vinicius and Souza, overloading the sports defense. Rollheiser and Barreal gain freedom for infiltration, while Willian Arão anchors the middle.
On the other side, Lucena bets on quick counterattacks with Matheusinho and Rivera, testing Santos’s recovery. The average number of cards in Brasileirão, 5.61 per game, suggests a physical duel under the whistle of Lima.
The balance between Santos’ ball possession and Sport’s quick transitions can define the score, with Peixe controlling 58% of the actions in the last direct confrontations.
History and numbers of the confrontation
Santos and Sport face each other for the 36th time in Brasileirão, with an advantage for Peixe in 18 wins against 10 for Leão and seven draws. Na Vila Belmiro, the record is even more favorable, with six Santos triumphs in the last ten duels.
In 2025, the first round ended 2-0 for Santos, with goals from Guilherme and Barreal, repeating a pattern of dominance at home.
Statistically, Santos scores 1.2 goals per game at home, while Sport concedes 2.1 away, favoring a positive result for the home team this Friday.
The historical confrontation reinforces the tradition of the northeastern-southern classic, but the current focus is on the salvation of Santos.
Transmission and preparations
The broadcast begins at 9pm with pre-game analysis on Sportv, including interviews with Vojvoda and highlights from Neymar. No Premiere, coverage includes multiple cameras and real-time replay.
Fans outside of Brasil access it via official Brasileirão streaming, with English subtitles for international audiences.
Preparations include increased security at Vila Belmiro, with capacity for 16,000 fans, and pitch tests concluded on Thursday.
Featured players in attack
Neymar leads Santos statistics with five goals and eight assists in 2025, surpassing Guilherme as the main creator. Barreal, with three goals in the last five games, complements the offensive trio.
In Sport, Pablo accumulates six goals, but in isolation, while Lucas Lima distributes four assists, the most on the team.
These numbers indicate a more productive Santos attack, with 28 goals in the season compared to 19 for the opponent.
The combination of Neymar speed and Barreal accuracy can unbalance the match in the early minutes.
Arbitration and rules in force
Felipe Fernandes of Lima, referee of the match, records an average of 0.32 yellow cards per game, prioritizing the flow of the match. Auxiliares and VAR guarantee accurate decisions in controversial moves.
Brasileirão 2025 rules include review of semantic impediments and technical breaks for hydration on hot days.
This structure benefits teams like Santos, who suffered from refereeing errors in 20% of their away games.
The neutral whistle must maintain balance, avoiding unnecessary interruptions in the Santos rhythm.
Expectations for the post-game
A Santos victory takes the team to 41 points, bringing them closer to salvation with two rounds remaining. Empate maintains the risk, while defeat complicates the final math.
Sport, without pressure, uses the game to test formations aiming for 2026 at Série B.
Post-match analysis on Sportv includes individual performance data, with a focus on Neymar.
The result directly influences the table, with Vitória and Internacional closely monitored.
