As the 2026 Brasileirao enters its second round, all eyes are on the Vila Belmiro for a classic San-Sao clash that could define the early season.
This fixture brings together two of the Sao Paulo’s biggest rivals in a high-stakes match where city pride is on the line.
The Neymar countdown
The biggest story in Brazilian football is the fitness of Neymar Jr. Following arthroscopic surgery on his left knee on 22 December 2025, the number 10 has been sidelined but returned to training this week, much to the excitement of Santos fans.
The sight of Neymar back on the training pitches at CT Rei Pele has revitalised a fanbase that was beginning to fear for their early-season prospects after an opening 4-2 loss to Chapecoense.
As tempting as it may be for the Santos management to get their star man back into the starting XI, club president Marcelo Teixeira has urged caution, stating that the recovery process is “scheduled to begin in earnest in February.”
Strategic management of the Brazilian
Given Neymar’s heavy injury record, he may instead be deployed as a substitute in the final 15–20 minutes as Santos look to carefully build up his fitness once again.
The medical department is reportedly hesitant to risk a setback in such a high-intensity derby, especially with Brazil’s March fixtures on the horizon. The strategy is clear, Santos are responsible for managing the superstar’s minutes until his “match rhythm” is naturally restored, likely by late February.
This cautious approach is frustrating for supporters, but vital for Neymar’s hopes of convincing Carlo Ancelotti he is fit for the 2026 FIFA World Cup squad.
Defensive crisis for Vojvoda:
Santos will also be without Tiquinho Soares, Thaciano and Willian Arao, who are all currently recovering from injuries of their own.
Willian Arão’s absence is particularly important, as the captain recently underwent surgery for a kidney stone, leaving a void in the holding midfield role.
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Missing Arao’s leadership and defensive positioning may force manager Juan Pablo Vojvoda to rely on Joao Schmidt to fill in and secure a defence that has been leaking goals recently.
Tricolor Momentum at the Vila:
Fresh off a 2–0 win over Santos in the Paulistão just days ago, Sao Paulo enter as favorites. They also started the league in fantastic form, beating last season’s champions Flamengo 2–1 in the opening round.
However, this time around, they will be without their home support and will also be missing Andre, Luan Santos and Ryan Francisco.
Despite these injuries, the Tricolor’s tactical fluidity and high-quality performances of Jonathan Calleri make them a dangerous opponent at the Vila Belmiro.
Santos will need more than just hope that Neymar will be available; they need to tactically outplay Sao Paulo to avoid another derby defeat in front of their home crowd.