Football fans around the world are eagerly awaiting the highly anticipated clash between Santos FC and Botafogo-SP in the Campeonato Paulista 2025. This match marks the return of Brazilian superstar Neymar to his boyhood club, Santos FC, after 12 years. The game promises to be a spectacle, with Neymar’s debut adding an extra layer of excitement. Here’s everything you need to know about the match, including previews, predictions, lineups, and broadcast details.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Neymar’s Emotional Return to Santos FC
Neymar’s return to Santos FC has sent waves of excitement through the football community. After a successful stint at Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, followed by a brief period at Al-Hilal, Neymar has come back to where it all began. The 33-year-old forward signed a six-month contract with Santos FC, aiming to regain his form and fitness before potentially returning to European football
Neymar’s debut is set to take place on February 5, 2025, coinciding with his 33rd birthday. The match against Botafogo-SP will be his first official game for Santos FC since May 2013. Fans are eager to see if Neymar can replicate the magic that made him a global sensation during his first stint with the club
Match Preview: Santos FC vs Botafogo-SP
Santos FC enters this match in strong form, leading Group B of the Campeonato Paulista with seven points. Their recent 3-1 victory over São Paulo has boosted their confidence. Guilherme Augusto, who scored a hat-trick in that game, will be a key player to watch
On the other hand, Botafogo-SP has struggled in the tournament, sitting at the bottom of Group A with only three points. The team has yet to secure a win, making this a challenging fixture for them. However, they will aim to spoil Neymar’s homecoming and turn their fortunes around:
Predicted Lineups
Here are the probable lineups for both teams:
- Santos FC: Gabriel Brazão; Léo Godoy, José Ivaldo, Luan Peres, Vinicius Lira; Tomás Rincón, Diego Pituca, Gabriel Bontempo; Guilherme, Tiquinho Soares, Neymar.
- Coach: Pedro Caixinha:
- Botafogo-SP: João Carlos; Jeferson, Alisson Cassiano, Allyson, Gabriel Risso; Gabriel Bispo, Alejo Dramisino, Leandro Maciel; Douglas Baggio, Pablo Thomaz, Jonathan Cafú.
- Coach: Márcio Zanardi
Match Details
- Date: February 5, 2025
- Time: 21:35 (Brasília time)
- Venue: Vila Belmiro, Santos, Brazil
- Competition: Campeonato Paulista 2025, 7th Round
Broadcast Information
Fans worldwide can catch the action live through various platforms:
- India: No telecast.
- UK: TNT, Max, Zapping TV
- US: TNT, Max, CazéTV (YouTube)
For real-time updates, follow CNN Esportes or Bolavip Brasil
Prediction and Key Facts
**Santos FC** is the clear favorite heading into this match. With Neymar’s return and their current form, they are expected to dominate. Predictions suggest a 3-1 victory for **Santos FC**, with Guilherme Augusto likely to be among the goal scorers
Here are some key facts about the match:
- This will be the 21st meeting between Santos FC and Botafogo-SP across all competitions
- Neymar last played for Santos FC in May 2013, making this a historic return
- Botafogo-SP has yet to win a game in the Campeonato Paulista 2025
Conclusion
The Santos FC vs Botafogo-SP match is more than just a game; it’s a celebration of Neymar’s return to his roots. With the world watching, Santos FC aims to continue their strong form, while Botafogo-SP hopes to turn their season around. Don’t miss this thrilling encounter in the Campeonato Paulista 2025.