Santos FC vs Mirassol — Preview & Prediction Brazilian Serie A 2025/26
Santos FC vs. Mirassol — Match Preview
This is a match that defies history and logic—a clash at the legendary Estádio Urbano Caldeira with stakes that are almost unbelievable. This isn’t just a game; it’s a “nightmare” scenario for one of the most famous clubs in the world.
Santos FC, the iconic club of Pelé and Neymar, is in freefall. In their first season back in the top flight, they find themselves in 17th place, mired in a desperate relegation battle. They just snapped a winless streak with a shock 1-0 win over league-leaders Palmeiras—a result that gave them a glimmer of hope, but the panic is real. The return of Neymar was meant to be a fairytale, but it has soured, with fans criticizing his poor form and “bad temper” as the club collapses around him.
On the other side is Mirassol. The newly-promoted “small club” is the shock story of the season, sitting in 4th place and fighting for a dream spot in the Copa Libertadores. They are fearless, in great form, and, most importantly, they humiliated Santos 3-0 earlier this season.
Santos FC vs Mirassol — Quick Match Info
- Fixture: Santos FC vs. Mirassol
- Competition: Brazilian Serie A
- Venue: Estádio Urbano Caldeira (Vila Belmiro), Santos
- Date: 19 November 2025
- Time: 23:30 UTC / 5:00 AM IST (20 Nov)
- Prediction: Santos FC 1-1 Mirassol
- Key Narrative: A desperate, relegation-threatened Santos (and Neymar) must win at home against the league’s high-flying “giant-killer,” Mirassol, who already beat them 3-0.
Santos FC vs Mirassol — What’s at Stake
- For Santos FC: Survival. A second relegation would be an unthinkable catastrophe. After the emotional 1-0 win over Palmeiras, they must get a result here to keep their heads above water. A loss would be a psychological “disaster” and could put them back in the bottom four.
- For Mirassol: The dream. A win would solidify their 4th-place position and move them one step closer to an unbelievable Copa Libertadores qualification. They have zero pressure and all the confidence, knowing they have already dominated Santos this year.
Santos FC vs Mirassol — Team Form
Santos FC (Last 5): W-L-L-L-D
- Terrible form, one great result. Their 1-0 win over Palmeiras was a massive shock that broke a 5-match winless streak.
- Before that, they were in freefall, including losses to Flamengo (3-2) and Botafogo (2-1).
- The attack is struggling, and the defense is “leaky” (48 goals conceded).
Mirassol (Last 5): W-W-D-L-W
- Excellent form. They are flying high and full of confidence.
- Their last match was a stunning 2-1 victory over Palmeiras, proving their 4th place spot is no fluke.
- They are a strong, organized, and clinical team.
Santos FC vs Mirassol — Team News
Santos FC — Team News
- THE NEYMAR SITUATION: Neymar is fit, but his form is the biggest story. He is being heavily criticized by fans and media for his “poor” and “emotional” displays. The team is relying on him, but he is not delivering.
- IN FORM: Álvaro Barreal is the team’s top scorer and biggest threat.
- OUT: Tomás Rincón (Calf) is a key injury in midfield.
Mirassol — Team News
- DOUBTS: Midfielder Gabriel and defender Lucas Ramon are both listed as doubtful and in a race against time to be fit for the match.
- KEY MEN: Goalkeeper Walter is one of the highest-rated keepers in the league. Midfielder Danielzinho is the creative engine, and defender Reinaldo is their shock top-scorer with 11 goals (many from penalties).
Santos FC vs Mirassol — Predicted Lineups
Santos FC (4-2-3-1)
- GK: Gabriel Brazão
- DEF: Igor Vinícius, Zé Ivaldo, Luan Peres, Souza
- MID: João Schmidt, Willian Arão
- AMC: Neymar, Zé Rafael, Barreal
- FW: Guilherme(Note: An experienced lineup trying to grind out a result).
Mirassol (4-3-3)
- GK: Walter
- DEF: Ramon (or substitute), João Victor, Jemmes, Reinaldo
- MID: Danielzinho, José Aldo, Gabriel (or substitute)
- FW: Negueba, Francisco da Costa, Alesson(Note: A balanced, confident lineup that beat Palmeiras).
Santos FC vs Mirassol — Spotlight Players
- Neymar (Santos FC): All eyes are on him. This is a legacy match. Can the returning hero save his club from humiliation, or will his poor form and “bad temper” (as seen vs. Flamengo) confirm the fans’ fears?
- Álvaro Barreal (Santos FC): The team’s actual top performer. With 7 goals, he is the one most likely to create a moment of magic, and he will have to if Neymar struggles again.
- Danielzinho (Mirassol): The creative heart of the “dream team.” His vision and passing are the reason Mirassol is 4th. He will look to slice open the nervous Santos defense.
- Reinaldo (Mirassol): The league’s most dangerous defender. With 11 goals (mostly set-pieces), he is a massive threat and will test a Santos side that has been weak on defense.
Santos FC vs Mirassol — Head to Head
Santos has historically dominated, but the most recent, and most relevant, result was a disaster for them.
- July 19, 2025: Mirassol 3–0 Santos FC
- Jan 16, 2025: Santos FC 2–1 Mirassol
- Oct 12, 2024: Santos FC 3–2 Mirassol
- June 25, 2024: Mirassol 0–0 Santos FC
- Feb 11, 2024: Mirassol 2–2 Santos FC
- Key Trend: Mirassol’s 3-0 thrashing just four months ago is the only stat that matters. They know they can beat this team, and beat them badly.
Santos FC vs Mirassol — Tactical Outlook
Santos FC Tactical Approach
- Desperate Defence: After the 1-0 win over Palmeiras, Santos will try to be defensively solid first. They cannot afford to concede.
- Hope for Magic: The “plan” is to give the ball to Neymar or Barreal and hope for a moment of individual brilliance. It is not a system; it is a prayer.
- Weakness: Confidence is “brittle.” If they concede first, the entire team and stadium could collapse in on itself.
Mirassol Tactical Approach
- Confident & Clinical: Mirassol will play their normal, organized game. They will not be afraid of Santos.
- Exploit the Nerves: They will press the Santos defense, knowing they are prone to mistakes. They will be patient, knowing Santos has to win.
- Set-Piece Threat: With Reinaldo, every free-kick and corner is a genuine goal-scoring opportunity against a nervous opponent.
Santos FC vs Mirassol — Key Battles
| Matchup | Battle Type | Edge |
| Neymar (SAN) vs. His Own Form | Psychological | Mirassol |
| Barreal (SAN) vs. Reinaldo (MIR) | Star Player vs. Star Player | Even |
| Santos’s Nerves vs. Mirassol’s Confidence | Tactical | Mirassol |
| Mirassol’s Attack vs. Santos’s Defence | Form vs. Reputation | Mirassol |
Santos FC vs Mirassol — Statistical Snapshot
| Metric | Santos FC | Mirassol |
| League Position | 17th (Relegation Zone) | 4th (Libertadores Spot) |
| Points | 33 | 59 |
| Goals Conceded | 48 (Leaky) | 33 (Solid) |
| Recent Form (Last 5) | W-L-L-L-D | W-W-D-L-W |
| Last H2H | 0-3 Loss | 3-0 Win |
Santos FC vs Mirassol — Fan Reactions
Santos Fans:
- “That Palmeiras win was a miracle. But we are still in a crisis.”
- “I’m sick of watching Neymar! He just protests and falls down. He’s not helping!”
- “If we lose this, we are relegated. A ‘small club’ like Mirassol is 4th while we are 17th. This is the biggest embarrassment in our history.”
Mirassol Fans:
- “We already beat them 3-0! Let’s do it again!”
- “Neymar called us a ‘small club’ in July. Now his ‘big club’ is in the relegation zone. This is karma.”
- “A draw is fine, a win is a party! We are living the dream!”
Santos FC vs Mirassol — Where to Watch
- USA: Paramount+, Fanatiz
- Brazil: Premiere, TV Globo
- UK: (No confirmed broadcast)
- India: (No confirmed broadcast, likely not available)
Santos FC vs Mirassol — Match-Defining Factors
- The Neymar Factor: Is he a liability or a savior? His performance (and his temper) will define the match.
- The First Goal: If Mirassol scores first, the Estádio Urbano Caldeira will turn “toxic.” If Santos scores, it could be the “adrenaline” they need to survive.
- The 3-0 Repeat: Mirassol has the psychological edge. They know they are the better team this season, and they aren’t scared of the Santos “shirt.”
- Desperation vs. Ambition: This is a classic. Santos’s desperation to survive vs. Mirassol’s ambition to achieve a miracle.
Santos FC vs Mirassol — Prediction
Santos FC 1–1 Mirassol
Why:
Santos is playing with the world on its shoulders. The 1-0 win over Palmeiras was a “last gasp” of air, but the team is still fundamentally broken. Mirassol, on the other hand, is the most confident team in the league.
Mirassol’s 3-0 win in July wasn’t a fluke. They are simply a better, more organized team this season. Santos’s home crowd and desperation will be enough to scrape a draw, but they do not have the quality or stability to beat a top-4 side. A 1-1 draw will feel like a loss for Santos and another great result for the “giant-killers.”
Santos FC vs Mirassol — Final Word
The club of Pelé is fighting for its life against a “small club” that is 13 places above it. This is a brutal, must-watch story of a fallen giant’s desperate last stand.
Santos FC vs Mirassol — FAQs
Q1: What time is the match?
05:00 AM IST on Thursday, November 20, 2025.
Q2: Why is this match so important?
Santos FC, one of Brazil’s most famous clubs, is in the relegation zone (17th). Mirassol is a newly-promoted team in 4th place. It’s a massive role-reversal.
Q3: Is Neymar playing?
Yes, he is expected to play, but his form has been heavily criticized by fans and media.
Q4: Who won the last match?
Mirassol won 3-0 in a dominant victory in July 2025.
Q5: Key players to watch?
For Santos: Neymar and Álvaro Barreal. For Mirassol: Danielzinho (MID) and Reinaldo (DEF).
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