Santos FC vs. Vitória Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 21 October 2025

This Serie A clash between Santos FC and Vitória on 21 October 2025 is crucial for both sides as they battle to avoid relegation. With Santos currently sitting in 16th place and Vitória just below in 17th, the outcome of this match could significantly impact their standings.

Santos, coached by Juan Pablo Vojvoda, recently pulled off a morale-boosting 3-1 win over Corinthians, yet still find themselves in a precarious position with 31 points. On the other hand, Vitória, led by Jair Ventura, also grabbed a vital win against Bahia but remain three points behind Santos with 28.

Key players like Álvaro Barreal, Santos’ top scorer with 7 goals, and Vitória’s Renato Kayzer, who has 8 goals, will be pivotal. With multiple suspensions, including a ban for Kayzer, Vitória might struggle at both ends of the pitch.

Based on form and given their pressing need to secure points, we recommend betting on over 3.5 goals. Both teams have had high-scoring fixtures lately, and this match looks set to be no different.

Santos FC vs Vitória Prediction & Betting tip

Santos FC vs Vitória Prediction
Betting tip
Over 3.5 goals

With both teams fighting to distance themselves from relegation, expect a high-stakes showdown.

Reasons for this betting tip:

• Historical context: Santos narrowly won the first leg 1-0. Given both sides’ recent high-scoring games, more goals are anticipated this time around.
• Offensive form: Santos’ recent 3-1 victory over Corinthians and Vitória’s 4-3 loss to Vasco da Gama show they are both capable of high-scoring matches.
• Defensive weaknesses: Both teams concede heavily late in the game, particularly from the 76th minute onward—expect the intensity to translate into goals.

Given their precarious positions, both teams will push for crucial points, setting the stage for a thrilling, high-scoring encounter.

Santos FC vs Vitória Odds

With Santos FC seen as the favourites in this crucial Serie A clash, the bookmakers have provided some intriguing odds. As both teams are fighting to escape relegation, each side will be looking to secure maximum points, adding extra weight to the fixture on 21 October 2025.

Santos FC vs Vitória Betting Odds
Bet	Odds
Santos FC	1.60
Draw	3.74
Vitória	5.51

Santos, playing at home, have a clear advantage according to the odds, reflecting their higher position in the standings and recent morale-boosting win against Corinthians. With odds of 1.60, they are the clear favourites. However, Vitória at 5.51 could provide a substantial payout for those willing to back the underdog. The draw odds sit at 3.74, demonstrating that the match could indeed be a close contest despite Santos’ slight upper hand.

Considering their respective forms and scoring abilities, the odds align well with the expectation of a high-scoring encounter.

Santos FC Team Analysis

Santos FC Recent Performance: WDDLW

In their last five matches, Santos FC has had a mixed bag of results with two wins, two draws, and one loss.

• Recent Form: WDDLW
• Santos FC Average Goals Scored: 1.40
• Santos FC Clean Sheets: 1

Their recent performances have shown resilience, particularly in their crucial 3-1 victory over Corinthians, which was a significant morale booster. Despite a 3-0 loss against Ceará, Santos managed to hold Grêmio to a 1-1 draw and secured a 2-2 stalemate against Red Bull Bragantino.

They have struggled defensively, conceding frequently. The team has only kept a clean sheet once in their last five games, highlighting a vulnerability that their coach, Juan Pablo Vojvoda, needs to address. However, with Álvaro Barreal leading their attack, they have managed to find the net consistently, averaging 1.40 goals per game.

Given their precarious position just above the relegation zone, every point counts, making their upcoming match against Vitória all the more critical.

Santos FC Key Players

Santos FC’s key players will likely have a significant impact on their performance against Vitória. Álvaro Barreal, who is the top scorer with 7 goals this season, remains a crucial element in their attacking strategy.

Expected lineup for Santos FC:

• Goalkeeper: Gabriel Brazão
• Defenders: Igor Vinícius, Adonis Frias, Luan Peres, Gonzalo Escobar
• Midfielders: Willian Arão, Zé Rafael, Benjamin Rollheiser, Álvaro Barreal, Guilherme Augusto
• Forward: Lautaro Díaz

Key individual battles might include Álvaro Barreal challenging Vitória’s defense, particularly their center-back Edu. With both teams being offensively capable but defensively fragile, the midfield showdown between Zé Rafael and Gabriel Baralhas will also be pivotal. Santos clearly need their playmakers to step up to distance themselves from the relegation zone. The absence of João Schmidt due to suspension will add pressure on their midfield to maintain control, potentially disrupting their rhythm.

Santos FC Suspensions & Injuries

Santos FC will have to navigate their upcoming match against Vitória without several key players due to suspensions and injuries, which could significantly affect their strategy and performance.

• Suspensions: João Schmidt is banned for this match due to yellow card accumulation. His absence will be a notable blow to Santos’ midfield, potentially disrupting their ability to control the game.
• Injuries: Neymar Jr. is sidelined with a thigh injury and is not expected to return until early November 2025. His creative flair and attacking prowess will be sorely missed. Additionally, Tomás Rincón’s calf injury leaves his participation doubtful, further depleting their midfield options.

These absences place extra pressure on the remaining squad. Coach Juan Pablo Vojvoda will need to adjust his tactics and rely on players like Willian Arão and Zé Rafael to step up in Schmidt and Rincón’s absence. The team’s depth will truly be tested in this crucial clash.

Santos FC Tactics and Formation

Santos FC Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Lautaro Díaz
• Midfield Trio: Willian Arão, Zé Rafael, Álvaro Barreal
• Defensive Strength: One clean sheet in the last five games, showing areas for improvement.
• Notable Strategy: Strong attacking presence, particularly reliant on Álvaro Barreal’s creativity and goal-scoring ability.

Santos predominantly line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with emphasis on a solid midfield pairing of Willian Arão and Zé Rafael. This formation allows them to transition quickly from defense to attack, lending support to their key forward, Lautaro Díaz.

With the absence of João Schmidt, Santos will depend heavily on their midfield dynamics to maintain possession and create chances. The use of overlapping full-backs in Igor Vinícius and Gonzalo Escobar will aid in stretching the opponent’s defense. However, they must address their vulnerability in conceding goals late in the game to secure a positive result.

Vitória Team Analysis

Vitória Recent Performance: LLWLW

Vitória’s recent form in Serie A has been inconsistent, with two wins and three losses in their last five matches.

• Recent Form: LLWLW
• Vitória Average Goals Scored: 1.40
• Vitória Clean Sheets: 1

Their most recent outing saw them secure a 2-1 victory against Bahia, which was a crucial result in their relegation battle. However, losses to Vasco da Gama and Grêmio highlight their defensive vulnerabilities. The team led by Jair Ventura has shown a tendency to leak goals, having managed just one clean sheet in their last five games. Offensively, they have been somewhat effective, averaging 1.40 goals per game, matching Santos in this regard.

Vitória need a significant improvement in their defensive setup if they are to avoid another high-scoring defeat. The absence of key players due to suspensions and injuries adds to their challenges as they desperately seek points to climb out of the relegation zone.

Vitória Key Players

Vitória will rely heavily on their key players to make an impact against Santos FC, especially in light of several suspensions.

Expected lineup for Vitória:

• Goalkeeper: Lucas Arcanjo
• Defenders: Zé Marcos, Edu, Lucas Halter
• Midfielders: Raúl Cáceres, Ronald, Gabriel Baralhas, Ramon
• Forwards: Matheuzinho, Aitor Cantalapiedra, Renzo López

Renato Kayzer, despite being suspended for this match, is typically the focal point of their attack with 8 goals this season. Without him, players like Renzo López and Aitor Cantalapiedra will have to step up. The duel between Vitória’s midfielders Gabriel Baralhas and Santos’ Zé Rafael will be critical.

Defensively, Edu will need to marshal his defenders to prevent Santos’ top scorer Álvaro Barreal from causing damage. The adaptation of the team without their usual key players due to suspensions could be challenging, but will also provide opportunities for others to rise to the occasion.

Vitória Suspensions & Injuries

Vitória will face significant challenges due to multiple suspensions and injuries impacting their squad depth against Santos FC.

• Suspensions: Vitória will miss several key players due to suspensions. Renato Kayzer, their top scorer with 8 goals, is out due to yellow card accumulation. Additionally, Dudu, Camutanga, and Erick are also suspended, further weakening their squad.
• Injuries: On the injury front, Vitória will be without Kauan and Jamerson, both sidelined with broken ankles until late October to early November 2025. Rúben Ramos Ismael is recovering from knee surgery and is similarly out until the end of the month.

These absences will heavily affect their defensive and attacking capabilities. Coach Jair Ventura will need to rely on lesser-used squad members to step up and perform under pressure, making strategic adjustments essential for Vitória to have a fighting chance in this crucial match.

Vitória Tactics and Formation

Vitória Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 3-4-3
• Key Forward: Renzo López
• Midfield Dynamic Duo: Gabriel Baralhas, Ronald
• Defensive Fortitude: One clean sheet in the last five games, highlighting areas for improvement.
• Notable Strategy: Focus on quick counter-attacks to exploit Santos FC’s defensive weaknesses, especially late in the game.

Vitória employs a flexible 3-4-3 formation aimed at balancing defensive solidity with offensive flexibility. The midfielders, particularly Gabriel Baralhas and Ronald, play a crucial role in both shielding the defense and initiating attacks.

Given their suspensions and injuries, Jair Ventura might opt for a more conservative approach, relying on Matheuzinho and Aitor Cantalapiedra’s versatility to support Renzo López in the attacking third. Their strategy will likely focus on exploiting Santos’ vulnerabilities in the final quarter of the match, leveraging their pace on the break.

Santos FC vs Vitória Head-to-Head Statistics

Examining the last five head-to-head encounters between Santos FC and Vitória, Santos FC holds a noticeable upper hand with four wins and one draw:

• 2025-05-25: Vitória 0 – 1 Santos FC
• 2018-10-06: Vitória 0 – 1 Santos FC
• 2018-06-03: Santos FC 5 – 2 Vitória
• 2017-10-16: Santos FC 2 – 2 Vitória
• 2017-06-21: Vitória 0 – 2 Santos FC

Santos FC’s superiority is evident with their defense proving solid and their attack capable of scoring goals. Vitória, on the other hand, have struggled, failing to win any of their recent meetings against Santos.

Given their historical record, Santos will be confident going into this match. However, with both teams fighting to avoid relegation, it promises to be a hard-fought clash, and Vitória will be eager to overturn their fortunes.

Odds accurate as of 19/10/2025 01:30, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.