Vasco da Gama v Santos: level-on-points strugglers target lift from the drop | OneFootball

Vasco da Gama host Santos in the Brasileirão on Sunday, 16 August 2026 at Estádio São Januário, with both sides marooned in the relegation places on 22 points and desperate for a result to climb out.

Vasco da Gama and Santos last met in February when the visitors won 2-1. The rematch arrives with the stakes higher, given both teams' positions in the bottom four.

Cruz-Maltino have put together a steady run across competitions, including a goalless draw at Bahia after a 1-1 at home to Mirassol. All five of their league wins have come at São Januário. Peixe's recent mix saw Sudamericana progress but a 2-0 home loss to Athletico Paranaense in the league, and they are yet to win away domestically this season.

The hosts are without Brenner and Mateus Carvalho through injury, while left back Cuiabano is suspended. For the Alvinegro Praiano, Lucas Veríssimo, Moisés, Gustavo Henrique, Vinicius Lira and Pepê Fermino are all sidelined.

Gigante da Colina average 54% possession with 85.04% pass accuracy and have delivered 410 open-play crosses at 24.88% accuracy, scoring seven headers. They could again look to wide deliveries. Peixe have scored 29 but conceded 35, with Gabriel Barbosa on seven league goals and Neymar on six, and they have converted five penalties out of five.

A win would move Cruz-Maltino to 25 points and could lift them out of the relegation places. The Alvinegro Praiano would also reach 25 with victory and could climb out as well. Lose, and either remain stuck in the bottom four.