Santos faces Bahia on Saturday at the Vila Belmiro in a Série A fixture that will likely determine who qualifies for the Copa Libertadores, OneFootball reported. Kickoff is scheduled for 9:00 p.m. Brasília time.
Bahia and Santos Fight for Libertadores Spots
Entering the 32nd round of the Campeonato Brasileiro, Bahia sits seventh in the standings with 49 points, while Santos occupies the eighth spot with 45 points, according to OneFootball. Terra reported that a home victory would narrow the gap between the two clubs to a single point, whereas a defeat would allow Bahia to extend their lead to seven points over manager Cuca’s squad. The league currently awards four direct berths into the group stage of the Copa Libertadores, alongside an additional spot in the second preliminary phase. Terra noted that the qualification bracket could expand from five to nine teams depending on the outcome of the finals for the Copa do Brasil, Copa Sudamericana, and Copa Libertadores.
Neymar Leads Attacking Formation Alongside Six Squad Absences
Manager Cuca plans to deploy a four-man attacking front featuring Neymar with the number 10 shirt, Gabigol, Philippe Coutinho, and Éverton Cebolinha, maintaining the same tactical structure used in their recent victory against Fluminense, OneFootball reported. Neymar and Philippe Coutinho will orchestrate the build-up play, while Gabriel Barbosa and Éverton Cebolinha operate as outlets for final shots and runs behind opposing defenders. Concurrently, Terra confirmed that Santos must contend with six player absences due to injury: central defender Lucas Veríssimo, left-back Gonzalo Escobar, defensive midfielder Willian Arão, midfielder Arthur, goalkeeper Gabriel Brazão, and full-back Vinicius Lira. Veríssimo picked up a muscle injury during the Fluminense match and is expected to be replaced in the starting lineup by young defender João Alencar.
Probable Lineups for Vila Belmiro Clash
OneFootball and Terra outline the probable starting XI for Santos under manager Cuca: Diógenes in goal; Rodinei, João Alencar, Luan Peres, and Álvaro Barreal across the back; Gustavinho, Gabriel Bontempo, Philippe Coutinho, Neymar, and Éverton Cebolinha in midfield; and Gabigol leading the attack. Cuca told players at the Rei Pelé training center that the team must overcome personnel shortages to secure a result against Bahia.
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