Key Brazilian State League Matches Set for February 22, 2026: Novorizontino vs Santos and Vasco vs Fluminense
On February 22, 2026, crucial state league matches feature Novorizontino vs Santos in the Paulista quarter-finals and Vasco vs Fluminense in the Carioca semifinals, with key players, lineups, and broadcast details unveiled.
- • Novorizontino and Santos face off in the Campeonato Paulista quarter-finals on February 22, 2026, with Novorizontino topping the initial phase and Santos securing the last qualifying spot.
- • The Novorizontino vs Santos match is a knockout game with penalties if tied, broadcast on TNT and HBO Max, featuring confirmed lineups and refereeing officials.
- • Vasco and Fluminense meet in the first leg of the Campeonato Carioca semifinals on February 22, with Vasco as Group A runner-up and Fluminense leading overall and Taça Guanabara champions.
- • The Vasco vs Fluminense match airs on Globo, SporTV, and Premiere, highlighting a vital clash in Rio de Janeiro’s football scene.
Key details
On February 22, 2026, two pivotal matches in major Brazilian state football leagues are scheduled, promising high stakes and intense competition. The Campeonato Paulista quarter-final between Novorizontino and Santos kicks off at 16:00 Brasília time at Estádio Jorge Ismael de Biasi, followed by the Campeonato Carioca semifinal first leg featuring Vasco and Fluminense at 18:00 at Nilton Santos Stadium.
Novorizontino enters as the top seed from the Paulista's initial phase with 16 points, reflecting five wins, one draw, and two losses. In contrast, Santos barely qualified in eighth place with 12 points, tallying three wins, three draws, and two losses. This knockout match will be decided on the day; a draw leads straight to penalties. Novorizontino’s lineup, coached by Enderson Moreira, includes Jordi, Alvariño, Dantas, Patrick, Mayk, and others, while Santos, managed by Juan Pablo Vojvoda, features players such as Gabriel Brazão, Neymar, Willian Arão, and Gabigol. The game will be broadcast live on TNT and HBO Max, with referee Flávio Rodrigues de Souza officiating.
Later in Rio de Janeiro, Vasco and Fluminense clash in the first leg of the Campeonato Carioca semifinals. Vasco, the vice-leader of Group A, advanced via penalty shootout over Volta Redonda after a 1-1 draw. Fluminense, leaders in the overall table and winners of the Taça Guanabara, secured their semifinal place by defeating Bangu 3-1. This classic fixture starts at 18:00 and will be televised across multiple platforms: open TV channel Globo, closed channel SporTV, and pay-per-view Premiere.
These matches highlight the intensity and unpredictability of Brazil’s state football championships, with both encounters crucial for teams aiming at state titles and bragging rights. Fans can expect strategic play, star performances, and potentially dramatic results as teams battle to advance in knockout stages.
This article was translated and synthesized from Brazilian sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
