:quality(85):sharpen(0.5,0.5,true)/tpg%2Fsources%2F68719fa4-c135-4896-83a3-1ae1ec80230d.jpeg "Santos and Guarani battle for Paulistan’s momentum in Campinas")
Expectation was high in Campinas on Sunday night when coach Guarani welcomed Santos to the Estadio Brinco de Ouro da Princesa as the closing act of the third round of the 2026 Paulistaón tournament. With both teams eager to change their early season fortunes, fans packed the stands and watched from all over Brazil, ready to witness a match filled with drama, determination and perhaps a turning point for one of these storied clubs.
Santos entered the match with a mixed record of one win and one loss, leaving them in 10th place in the league standings. Their campaign started brightly with a win over Novolizontino, but their supporters were desperate for a quick rebound after a narrow 1-0 loss to Palmeiras in the previous game. For coach Juan Pablo Vojvoda, the stakes were clear. It’s about steadying the ship, finding consistency and moving Peixe up in the standings before the quarterfinal cutoff after eight rounds.
Guarani, on the other hand, was under pressure from the start. Bugle, as he is affectionately known, was yet to taste victory, remaining in 15th place after a draw with Primavera and a loss to Novolizontino. With the shadow of relegation looming large, this home game against Santos was more than just a match, it was a potential lifeline. Buoyed by a passionate home fan and recent investment in experienced talent, Guarani’s determination to seek their first win was clear.
Both teams entered the match with notable change and ambition. Santos coach Vojvoda made changes to his starting lineup following the setback against Palmeiras. Maike, Vini Lira, Gabriel Menino and Zé Rafael were given the starting XI in place of Igor Vinicius, Escobar, Joao Schmidt and Lautaro Díaz respectively. The move signaled coach Vojvoda’s intention to inject new energy and tactical flexibility into his team, hoping to catch Guarani by surprise and seize the initiative early.
In the days leading up to kick-off, Guarani’s preparations were the talk of Campinas. The club management invested heavily before the season and brought in experienced professionals to strengthen the team. Goalkeeper Caique França, defender Rafael Donato, midfielder Ralf and forward Lucca were all expected to play important roles. Their experience and leadership were seen as key assets in Guarani’s quest to climb out of the relegation zone and turn odds into points.
Historical context added further intrigue to this matchup. Santos has dominated head-to-head matches in the past 21 meetings, with 14 wins to Guarani’s three and four matches ending in draws. But football rarely goes according to script, and the stage was set for a fierce battle with both teams looking for a statement result.
The atmosphere inside the Brinco de Ouro da Princesa was electric as kick-off approached. Local supporters waved flags and chanted loudly, urging Bougret to capitalize on his home advantage. Fans across Brazil watched via TNT Brasil and streaming platforms including TNT Go, Claro TV+, Max Brasil, Sky+ and Vivo Play. Although overseas viewers were unable to watch live, they tuned in with keen interest for the latest information and analysis, recognizing that Paulistan is often the starting point for the country’s next generation of stars.
From the moment the first whistle rang, the intensity of the day was palpable. Santos, perhaps feeling the frustration of losing to Palmeiras, pressed from a high position and moved the ball intentionally. Maike and Vini Lira in the starting XI provided width and energy, while Gabriel Menino and Zé Rafael provided composure and vision in midfield. Santos looked for weaknesses in the early exchanges, but the Guaraní defense, especially Rafael Donato, stood firm, parrying crosses and blocking through balls with authority.
Meanwhile, the Guarani tried to take advantage of the counterattack. Ralf’s presence in midfield provided a solid shield to the backline, while Lucca’s movement up front kept the Santos defense honest. Goalkeeper Caique França, one of the club’s strongest players, was called upon early on and made a sharp save to deny Zé Rafael’s curling shot. The home crowd could sense the team’s fighting spirit and roared their approval.
As the first half progressed, both teams took advantage of their chances. For Santos, Menino linked up with Maike and Lira on the wing and produced some promising moves. Guarani countered with a set-piece threat, with Donato highest from a corner kick, but his header went just wide. The tension was palpable, with every tackle, pass and near miss eliciting gasps and cheers from the stands.
With the game still in a stalemate at half-time, Vojvoda and the Guaraní coach urged his team to find a way out. For Santos, a win would give them a chance to advance to the coveted top eight and the final tournament. For Guarani, the three points not only lifted them out of the relegation zone, but also validated the club’s ambitious recruitment drive.
The second half started much like the first ended: tense, tactical, and fiercely competitive. Santos continued to dominate possession, but Guarani’s organization and discipline kept clear-cut chances precious. After an hour, Lucca got through after a quick counter from Guarani, but his shot was saved by the alert Santos goalkeeper. Immediately afterwards, Santos hit back with a great move of their own, but Maike’s cross evaded everyone in the box.
As time went on, both coaches tried to make substitutions, inject new legs and maybe find a late hero. The only injury absence for both teams in this match forced a change in tactics, but neither team lost their form or determination. Referee Matheus Delgado Candancan had a firm grasp of the flow of the match and ensured that the game flowed in an orderly manner.
As the final whistle approached, the sense of urgency was unmistakable. Santos pushed forward, desperately searching for a winner to move up the standings. With the cheers of their followers, the Guarani people strengthened their resolve to wrest victory, even if it meant dying. The final moments were a furious one, with both sides exchanging attacks and the outcome being a tricky one.
When the match ended, the scoreboard showed a heated battle worthy of the occasion. Although neither team was able to take all three points, the encounter showed the grit, ambition and unpredictability that characterizes Paulistani football. For Santos, the draw provided the basis for further development, while Guarani’s energetic display suggested that their first win of the season might not be far away.
With five rounds left to advance to the quarterfinals, every match will be important. Both Santos and Guarani left this showdown knowing they had everything to play for. And with performances like this, fans can expect more drama in the coming weeks.