Santos and São Paulo played to a 1-1 draw on February 4, 2026, in the second round of the Brasileirão Série A. Held at the Vila Belmiro, the “San-São” derby was characterized by Santos taking a late first-half lead followed by a second-half resurgence from São Paulo.
Match Highlights
- Santos Takes the Lead: After a tightly contested first half, Zé Rafael opened the scoring for the “Peixe” in the eighth minute of stoppage time (45+8′). He reacted quickest to a rebound after São Paulo goalkeeper Rafael parried a long-distance strike from Adonis Frías.
- São Paulo Equalizer: The “Tricolor” improved in the second half, particularly after the introduction of Lucas Moura. In the 66th minute, Lucas Moura delivered a cross into the box that Jonathan Calleri headed home to level the match.
- Atmosphere of Protest: Despite the competitive nature of the game, the match was overshadowed by significant protests from Santos fans directed at the club’s board and management.
- Neymar Absence: High-profile signing Neymar remained sidelined as he continues his recovery from knee surgery, though he is expected to return to the squad soon.
Match Statistics
| Statistic | Santos FC | São Paulo FC |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 1 | 1 |
| Possession | 50.6% | 49.4% |
| Shots (On Target) | 12 (3) | 9 (3) |
| Yellow Cards | 5 | 1 |
| Corner Kicks | 7 | 4 |
Key Performers
- Jonathan Calleri (São Paulo): Named Player of the Match for his clinical equalizer and dominance in aerial duels.
- Zé Rafael (Santos): Capitalized on a critical moment to put the home side ahead just before the break.
- Robert Arboleda (São Paulo): Provided a strong defensive display with 11 clearances to repel late Santos pressure.
- Rony (Santos): The debutant earned praise for his high work rate and relentless movement throughout the match.