Internacional vs Santos Prediction: Inter is the newcomer to the relegation battle

Who would have thought that Internacional, who almost made it to the Copa Libertadores final, would be in the fight to avoid relegation? Well, it was mentioned here in previous predictions about the risk coach Eduardo Coudet was taking by relegating the Brasileirão to the background, favoring the Copa Libertadores. The Série A is very balanced and punishes those who aren't at the highest level. In the nine league games played immediately before or after the Copa Libertadores knockout rounds, Inter only won the derby against Grêmio, curiously after being eliminated in the semi-finals against Fluminense. Colorado has gone all-in on the Copa Libertadores and is now paying off its debts.

The defeat in Salvador and victories for Vasco da Gama and Goiás have brought Internacional closer to the red zone, which is only two points away. This match with Santos is crucial as it's against a direct opponent in the fight to avoid dropping to the Série B. Péle's club is in a relegation position, but if it wins this game, it will overtake Inter. There are so many teams involved in this battle and so close in terms of points that we'll probably see constant changes in the sides that will occupy the Z4. This game is like a final, and the Gaúchos must win.

The 3-1 defeat against RB Bragantino at the Vila Belmiro interrupted a run of three consecutive wins for the Fish. It was the team's first defeat under the leadership of Marcelo Fernandes, which wasn't a surprise given that Red Bull is in second place. Santos began the match at full speed, hitting the post early on, but a goal from Sasha after 9 minutes cooled the home side's momentum. Santos has won its last two away games, so there is confidence to take points from the Beira-Rio.

The Gaúchos, playing at home with the support of their home crowd, will be looking to win to get out of this fight that shouldn't be theirs. Santos has been playing well away from home, and Marcos Leonardo is a very dangerous counter-attacking player. I'm betting on both teams scoring. Santos can also score a goal despite Inter being the favorite.