Santos face Corinthians with under 30% derby success this year | OneFootball

Santos heads into the derby against Corinthians this Wednesday at 9:30 PM (Brasília time) at Vila Belmiro with an added challenge: a negative record in direct clashes against their São Paulo rivals in 2025. In total, Peixe has played eight derbies this season, achieving only two victories and suffering five defeats—a performance that amounts to just a 28.5% success rate.

Santos’ only wins came against São Paulo, one in the Campeonato Paulista and another in the Brasileirão. On the other hand, the recent record against Corinthians has been overwhelmingly unfavorable: in three meetings this year, Santos lost all of them, including being knocked out in the semifinals of the Paulistão. The team also lost to Palmeiras in the first derby of the season, in January, at Allianz Parque.

The performance in derbies partly reflects the difficulties that the Alvinegro Praiano has faced in the Brasileirão. With 28 points after 26 rounds, the team sits in 16th place, just three points ahead of Vitória, the first team inside the relegation zone.

Preparation for the Alvinegro Derby

To try to turn the page, coach Juan Pablo Vojvoda began the training routine with both good and bad news. Midfielder Victor Hugo, recovered from a right thigh adductor muscle injury, returned to ball work for the first time since the derby against São Paulo on September 21 and is expected to be included in the squad for the match against Corinthians.

The concern, however, is with Tomás Rincón. The Venezuelan left last Friday’s training session with muscle discomfort and, after tests, was diagnosed with a left calf injury. With no set return date, the midfielder has started treatment in the physiotherapy department and did not take part in Sunday’s session.

With two more days of preparation before the derby, Santos is trying to find a balance between physical recovery and tactical adjustments. In addition to Rincón, the medical department is still treating Neymar, who is still in the recovery phase. On the other hand, Mayke, Gabriel Bontempo, and Victor Hugo himself have returned to normal training and may strengthen the squad against their biggest rival.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.