Santos v Cruzeiro: mid-table climb meets top-six push | OneFootball

Santos host Cruzeiro in the Brasileirão at Estádio Urbano Caldeira on Sunday, 13 September 2026, with the hosts chasing a mid-table lift and the visitors looking to consolidate a top-six spot.

Santos and Cruzeiro drew 0-0 in March. This meeting carries added weight with Santos 13th and Cruzeiro sixth heading in.

Peixe have won three of their last four in all competitions, including league victories at Corinthians and Internacional plus a 2-0 success over Atlético Mineiro. Cruzeiro have three league wins in their last four, defeating Flamengo and Athletico Paranaense with only a setback at Vasco in between.

Alvinegro Praiano are without Neymar (injured) and league top scorer Gabriel Barbosa (suspended until 14 September), while Lucas Veríssimo, Gonzalo Escobar and Álvaro Barreal also miss out. For Raposa, Luis Sinisterra, Gabriel Pec and Jonathan Jesus remain sidelined.

Raposa average 55% possession with 85.53% passing accuracy and have delivered 383 open-play crosses at 21.15%, yielding six headed goals this league season. They could target wide deliveries again. Peixe sit on 50% possession with fewer crosses and only two headed goals, so they may look to keep attacks on the deck. For threat, Matheus Pereira and Kaio Jorge each have seven league goals.

A win would nudge Peixe towards the top half, while a positive result for Raposa could strengthen their continental berth and keep them on the heels of the sides above.