Santos to host Palmeiras in Copa do Brasil quarter-final second leg on September 3

Santos will host Palmeiras at the Urbano Caldeira Stadium in the second leg of their Copa do Brasil 2026 quarter-final on September 3 at 6 am IST, chasing a three-goal deficit from the first meeting. Palmeiras travel with that aggregate cushion and will aim to protect their advantage away from home.

Santos coach Cuca will ask his side to exert early control, improve the final third and shore up the defence after a first leg in which they registered the majority of possession but failed to convert chances. Palmeiras, managed by Abel Ferreira, delivered a strong defensive display in the first leg and are expected to adopt a cautious approach to avoid mistakes. Home advantage gives Santos a platform to press for goals, while Palmeiras can prioritise protecting their lead.

Neymar was prominent in Santos’ recent 1-0 Brasileiro Série A win over Corinthians, influencing midfield and the final third despite not scoring. The preview notes that a 25-year-old produced a standout showing in the first leg, scoring a brace and being named Player of the Match for his side. José Manuel López is singled out as a key attacking outlet for Palmeiras and a persistent threat to opposing defences.

Availability issues affect both squads: Vinicius Lira and Gabriel Menino are not going to be in action for Santos FC. For Palmeiras, Paulinho, Jefte, Ramon Sosa, Jhon Arias and Joaquin Piquerez will miss out as they are not match-fit to be a part of the squad.

Projected starting XIs listed in the preview are Brazao (GK); Igor, Verissimo, Peres, Escobar; Henrique, Schmidt; Bontempo, Neymar, Barreal; Barbosa for Santos, and Miguel (GK); Giay, Murilo, Gomez, Piquerez; Mauricio, Pereira, Freitas, Arthur; Lopez, Roque for Palmeiras.

The preview assesses Santos’ task as extremely difficult given a three-goal gap and inconsistent recent form, while Palmeiras are described as confident with a positive lead. Prediction: Santos 1-2 Palmeiras (Aggregate 1-5).

A positive result for Palmeiras would secure a place in the Copa do Brasil semifinals; the second leg will be shown in the UK on Premier Sports Player and Premier Sports 2.