Santos’ Challenge: The Road to the Libertadores

Santos’ elimination in the Copa Sudamericana left the fans nervous and put the team’s entire planning at risk as it tries to shine again in the Copa Libertadores. That’s because, although the Peixe brought several star players, like Arthur, Everton Cebolinha, Philippe Coutinho, Rodinei and Lima, it’s time to tighten the belt and do the math.

The Path That Opens Up

Now, the only hope for Santos is to shine in the Campeonato Brasileiro. Neymar and everyone from the alvinegro side will have to work hard and hope for favorable results in knockout ties, both in domestic and continental competitions, to increase their chances of qualifying for the Libertadores.

Spots for the Libertadores!

For 2027, the CBF has regulations that provide seven spots for Brazilian clubs in the Libertadores:

• Campeonato Brasileiro (5 spots):

  • 1th through 4th place go directly to the group stage.
  • The 5th spot targets the pre-Libertadores.

• Copa do Brasil (2 spots):

  • The champion goes directly to the group stage.
  • The runner-up secures a spot in the pre-Libertadores.

Santos’ fans need to band together in prayer, because if any of the three Brazilian teams in the Libertadores semifinals (Flamengo, Fluminense and Palmeiras) wins the title and also finishes among the top five of the Brasileirão, the scenario changes! That’s because Conmebol could grant one extra spot, turning G-5 into G-6.

How G-7 Can Become Real

What if things get even more thrilling? Palmeiras, currently in second place in the league, needs to finish among the top five (or six, if a Brazilian wins the Libertadores) and, on top of that, win the Copa do Brasil. Abel Ferreira’s men are all set for the competition’s semifinals, alongside Atlético-MG, Grêmio and Vasco.

The Galo can also raise Santos’ hopes even more. If they secure a spot in the hypothetical G-7 and win the Sudamericana, the chance for G-8 appears. And if Atlético also reaches the final of the Copa do Brasil? The scenario could even reach G-9!

Where Is the Peixe?

Currently, Santos sits in the 10th position, with 35 points—just one point behind Red Bull Bragantino, who is in 9th place and, currently, would be taking that possible G-9. With 12 matches still to be played (for a total of 36 points up for grabs), the Peixe needs to collect as many points as possible and, of course, hope for a favorable turn of events in the competitions.

Next Santos Matches

• Remo x Santos (Mangueirão)
• São Paulo x Santos (MorumBIS)
• Santos x Flamengo (Vila Belmiro)
• Atlético-MG x Santos (Arena MRV)
• Fluminense x Santos (Maracanã)
• Santos x Bahia (Vila Belmiro)
• Santos x Palmeiras (Vila Belmiro)
• Red Bull Bragantino x Santos (Cícero de Souza Marques)
• Coritiba x Santos (Couto Pereira)
• Santos x Grêmio (Vila Belmiro)
• Vitória x Santos (Barradão)
• Santos x Botafogo (Vila Belmiro)

It’s time to get ready and cheer for the Peixe to stay firm in the fight for a spot in the Libertadores! ????