Santos welcome Cruzeiro on September 13, 2026, for a Serie A fixture at Estádio Urbano Caldeira. The hosts enter the contest in 13th place and are enjoying an encouraging spell, while the visitors sit sixth and remain focused on improving their league campaign. Santos have won their last two matches and are unbeaten in four, but Cruzeiro also arrive after a victory. With both teams seeking another positive result, the encounter could be settled by small margins. Their first league meeting of the season ended 0-0 on March 22, underlining how balanced this matchup can be.

Santos Recent Form and Key Statistics

Santos approach this game with growing confidence after recording three wins, one draw and one defeat across their last five matches. Their latest result was a 2-0 victory against Atlético Mineiro on September 9. Over this five-game sequence, the home side averaged 1.2 goals scored and 1.0 conceded per match, numbers that reflect a relatively controlled run at both ends of the pitch.

The wider league record is less consistent. Santos have collected eight wins, eight draws and nine defeats in Serie A, averaging 1.5 goals scored and 1.5 conceded. Nevertheless, their current momentum represents one of their stronger periods of the campaign. The team has avoided defeat in four consecutive games and secured back-to-back victories, having suffered its most recent league loss in August against Athletico Paranaense.

There have still been occasional matches in which Santos failed to score. Under 0.5 goals were scored in three of their last 12 fixtures, while the same outcome occurred in three of their previous 14 home games. Those figures show that a goal from the hosts is not guaranteed, even though their recent results provide grounds for optimism.

Several selection issues could affect the home side. Gabriel Barbosa is unavailable because of a contractual clause, while Gonzalo Escobar must serve a suspension. Neymar Jr. remains unable to play, and Álvaro Barreal continues to deal with muscular problems. Santos have also signed Everton Cebolinha, with the club working to complete his registration in time for a possible debut. Willian Arão, Gabriel Bontempo, Thaciano and Luan Peres are all one booking away from suspension.

Cruzeiro Recent Form and Key Statistics

Cruzeiro travel after beating Athletico PR 3-1 on September 6. Matheus Pereira and Kaio Jorge were among the scorers in that match, while Gerson was also actively involved. The result offered a welcome response following the club’s eliminations from the Copa Libertadores and Copa do Brasil.

The visitors have produced two wins, one draw and two defeats in their last five matches. During that period, they averaged 1.6 goals scored and 1.6 conceded, suggesting that their recent games have combined attacking output with defensive vulnerability. Their complete Serie A record stands at 12 victories, six draws and eight losses, with averages of 1.5 goals scored and 1.4 conceded per fixture.

A notable trend is that Cruzeiro’s last 10 matches have all produced over 1.5 total goals. Each of those 10 fixtures has also featured at least one second-half goal. This pattern points to matches that regularly open up at some stage, although it does not necessarily mean that the scoring will reach three goals in this particular contest.

Kaio Jorge remains the main attacking reference, with Matheus Pereira responsible for much of the creative work. However, Cruzeiro will be without Sinisterra and Gabriel Pec because of serious injuries, while Bruno Rodrigues is another absentee. Otávio, Lucas Silva, Wesley, Lucas Villalba, João Marcelo and Kauã Moraes are currently at risk of suspension if booked.

Santos vs Cruzeiro Match Analysis

The available numbers present a close contest. Santos have the stronger recent five-match record and home advantage, while Cruzeiro hold the better overall Serie A results. The hosts have won eight of their 25 league games, compared with 12 victories from 26 for the visitors. Even so, the win probabilities give Santos a 44% chance, with the draw and a Cruzeiro victory both rated at 28%.

Recent form gives Santos a platform to compete, particularly after consecutive wins and a clean sheet against Atlético Mineiro. Their absences, however, may reduce their available attacking options. Cruzeiro have shown greater scoring output across their last five fixtures, but their average of 1.6 goals conceded during the same period leaves room for the hosts to threaten.

The head-to-head record reinforces the sense of balance. Across the summarized meetings, Santos have two wins, one draw and two defeats, averaging 1.2 goals scored and 1.2 conceded. Most importantly, the latest encounter finished 0-0. That result offers a relevant reference point for another match in which neither side may be able to establish clear control.

Although Cruzeiro’s 10-game run of matches featuring over 1.5 goals suggests that a completely closed contest is not the only possibility, the broader projections lean toward a restrained scoreline. The probability for under 2.5 goals is 58%, compared with 42% for over 2.5, while the probability of both teams scoring is only 47%. Santos’ recent defensive improvement, the visitors’ absences and the goalless reverse fixture all support the possibility of a game with fewer than three goals.

Santos vs Cruzeiro prediction from BetMines: Under 2.5 goals with 58% probability.