Coritiba vs Santos - Copa Do Brasil

Coritiba prepare to host Santos at the home ground on May 13, 2026, with both sides eager to assert their credentials and claim a result that could define their Copa Do Brasil season. The 74-year-old Hoops boss admitted that "it'll be a bit strange not having the (Celtic) fans in but I'm nervously and excitedly looking forward to it; it's a great fixture" and also spoke about the police visit.

There is little to choose between Coritiba and Santos on paper, and the Copa Do Brasil encounter should reflect that balance. The hosts will be looking to find their rhythm and put a run of results together. Santos's away form is hard to read, but they will arrive with the belief that they can trouble their hosts. Newcastle had agreed a deal worth £49m for the Switzerland international, who was a breakout star at the World Cup as he scored three goals in their run to the quarter-finals.

Pressing intensity will define the contest. Coritiba will seek to win the ball high up the pitch and suffocate Santos's build-up, while the visitors will aim to play through the pressure and exploit the spaces it leaves behind. Speaking in his unveiling press conference on Thursday, he said: Bayern Munich had attempted to sign Benjamin Sesko ahead of Manchester United, but a deal proved too expensive, according to cfbayerninsider.

The fixture boasts genuine star quality. With Carlos Vinícius topping the Copa Do Brasil scoring charts at 3 goals, the stage is set for the kind of individual brilliance that can swing a contest. How each side deals with the other's danger men — and who takes their chances when they come — will be central to the outcome. Mbeumo and Amad have the right flank covered, while United really need an out-and-out centre-forward to replace Zirkzee, if he leaves.

With the sides closely matched, the outcome may well hinge on which team takes its chances on the day. With the sides so closely matched, a 1-1 stalemate looks the most likely way this one ends. More than just three points is on the line at the home ground — this is a fixture that could shape the narrative of both clubs' seasons. Joe Gomez is expected to miss the start of Liverpool's Premier League campaign through injury - but it is not likely to impact the Reds' transfer plans.