Chapecoense v Santos: in-form hosts meet draw-heavy visitors in Brasileirão opener | OneFootball

Chapecoense host Santos in the Brasileirão on 28 January 2026 at Arena Condá in Chapecó, with both sides starting level and aiming to set the tone for the season.

The visitors have often shaded this match-up across recent years, though Chapecoense won the last meeting at Arena Condá in 2024. That adds an extra edge as the league campaign begins.

Chape arrive with momentum after three wins in their last four, including a 6-0 victory over Joinville on 25 January. Peixe have been harder to shift in São Paulo state action, drawing three on the bounce after a defeat at Palmeiras and a single win in five.

Both teams report notable injuries. For the hosts, Rafael Thyere, Perotti, Neto Pessoa, Bruno Leonardo, Bruno Matias, Jhonnathan and Mancha are sidelined. The visitors are without Neymar, Thaciano, Alvaro Barreal, Gabriel Bontempo and Gustavo Henrique.

Verdão do Oeste may try to carry over that cutting edge from the weekend, while Santos' recent run of draws hints they could keep things compact and look for moments in transition. If the game becomes stretched, Chape's confidence in front of goal could be a factor. If it stays tight, Peixe's patience may suit them.

A win would put Chape on three points and immediately support a push towards the upper places, while three points for Alvinegro Praiano would lift them away from the early relegation zone slots and steady their start.