Santos and CRB Clash in Copa do Brasil on Thursday Evening

Santos, SP – Santos will face CRB on Thursday at 6 p.m. (Brasília time) at the Vila Belmiro in the first leg of the third round of the Copa do Brasil. The match will be streamed live on Amazon Prime.

The Peixe returns to the Copa do Brasil after missing out last year. They are entering the tournament at this stage after winning the Série B of the Campeonato Brasileiro in 2024. However, the team is currently struggling in the Brasileirão, prompting the dismissal of Coach Pedro Caixinha and the hiring of Cléber Xavier, who will debut Thursday.

Meanwhile, CRB comes off a 1-1 draw with Paysandu on Sunday in the Série B. The team, currently in sixth place with 10 points, is looking to replicate their successful campaign in 2021, where they eliminated Palmeiras in the same round of the Copa do Brasil.

Cléber Xavier has only had two training sessions with the Santos squad before the match. It is expected he will maintain the same base from their last game against Bragantino. A potential new face in the lineup could be Aderlan on the right side.

The likely Santos lineup includes: Gabriel Brazão; Aderlan, Gil, Zé Ivaldo, and Escobar; João Schmidt, Diego Pituca, and Rollheiser; Gabriel Veron, Guilherme, and Tiquinho Soares.

On the other side, CRB will also adjust their lineup for the clash. Due to contractual issues, Hayner cannot play as he is on loan from Santos. Weverton will fill the right-back position. Additionally, Luís Segovia is expected to return to defense after missing previous matches.

CRB’s probable starting XI is: Matheus Albino; Weverton, Segovia, Henri, and Matheus Ribeiro; Higor Meritão, Fernando Henrique, Gegê, and Danielzinho; Thiaguinho and Breno Herculano.

The return leg is set for May 22 at 9:30 p.m. (Brasília time) at Estádio Rei Pelé. The team that advances will receive a prize of R$ 3.6 million.