Santos Faces Ceara in Crucial Brasileirao Clash

SAO PAULO, Brazil — Santos FC will face Ceara in a crucial Matchday 8 clash of the 2025 Brasileirao on Monday, May 12. The game is set to kick off at 7:00 PM ET at the Estadio Urbano Caldeira, where Santos will be desperate for a win to revive their struggling season.

Starting this match, Santos has only managed to gather 4 points from seven games, largely due to a recent injury to their star player, Neymar, who has been sidelined with a muscular issue. Without him, Santos has collected just one victory and currently sits in the relegation zone.

Ceara, on the other hand, stands in a more favorable position with 11 points and hopes to build on their momentum in this match. The team has demonstrated a solid defense, which they will rely on against a struggling Santos side.

Neymar’s absence has been felt keenly by Santos, who had expected him to lead their resurgence in the league. Despite their recent difficulties, Santos’ manager Cesar Sampaio boasts a fully-fit squad except for Neymar, which allows him to implement his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation without constraints.

Meanwhile, Ceara must navigate several injuries affecting their squad depth, particularly in defense and midfield. Key players such as Richardson and Fernandinho are unavailable, potentially impacting their offensive creativity.

The match will be broadcast live across various networks in the United States, with kick-off set for 7 PM ET. Fans can tune in to watch a game that carries heavy implications for both clubs.

As Santos looks to break out of their poor run, all eyes will be on how they perform without Neymar. A win is crucial for the team’s survival hopes this season.