Santos suffered a 2-1 defeat to Red Bull Bragantino on Monday, leaving the club with a tougher path to a place in the 2027 Copa Libertadores. With four matches left in its Brazilian league campaign, Santos remains on 47 points and is seven behind fourth-placed Fluminense, which has a game in hand against Vitória on Friday.
A place in the preliminary qualifying round has also become harder to reach. Fifth-placed Athletico has 54 points and is scheduled to face Vasco on Wednesday. Santos is still hoping that Brazilian clubs could receive additional Libertadores places, potentially creating an eight- or nine-team qualification zone depending on results in continental competitions, the Copa do Brasil and the league standings.
Bragantino took the lead after four minutes when Rodinei scored an own goal. Philipe Coutinho equalized for Santos in the 37th minute, but Yan restored the home side’s advantage before halftime. Both teams created further chances after the break, but neither scored again.
Santos’ next match is away to Coritiba on November 18. Bragantino, level with Santos on points but ahead by virtue of having one more win, visits Vitória the following day.
Sources: Folha Esporte.