Fortaleza Faces Santos in Crucial Match to Avoid Relegation

Fortaleza, Brazil — Fortaleza and Santos will clash in a vital 12th-round match of the Campeonato Brasileiro on June 12, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. local time at the Arena Castelão. Both teams are struggling at the bottom of the league table, making this encounter crucial in their fight against relegation.

Currently, Fortaleza sits in the 17th position with ten points, while Santos is in 18th place with just eight points. The two teams have had similar performances this season, with both having trouble securing wins.

Fortaleza recently suffered a heavy defeat, losing 5-0 to Flamengo in their last match. Santos also faced a setback, losing 1-0 to Botafogo at home. These results heighten the stakes for this upcoming match.

Santos will miss key players in this match due to various reasons. Neymar is suspended after his red card against Botafogo, while João Paulo is taking leave to attend his grandmother’s funeral. Additionally, Gil is sidelined with quadriceps pain.

However, Santos will see the return of Luan Peres, who was suspended in the previous outing, and includes Tomás Rincón, Deivid Washington, and JP Chermont, who recently returned from national duties.

Fortaleza’s coach, Juan Pablo Vojvoda, will also be without several players, including Matheus Rossetto and Moisés, who are injured. Pedro Augusto returns from suspension to bolster the squad.

The match will be officiated by Paulo Cesar Zanovelli da Silva, with assistance from Felipe Alan Costa de Oliveira and Celso Luiz da Silva, while Rafael Traci will oversee VAR operations.