When Sport Club Internacional hosted Santos FC at Estádio Beira-Rio on Monday, November 24, 2025, the stakes couldn’t have been higher. The 1-1 draw wasn’t just another match—it was a pivotal moment in Brazil’s top-flight league, with Internacional clinging to a three-point lead over Santos in the final stretch of the Brasileirão Betano 2025 campaign. For fans in the U.S., the game was more than a spectacle—it was a chance to witness a classic rivalry unfold live, with Fanatiz serving as the only legal streaming option for American viewers.
Why This Match Mattered
With just two matchdays left in the 2025 season, Internacional’s 40 points put them in a strong position to challenge for the title, while Santos, at 37, needed a win to keep their fading hopes alive. The game was Internacional’s penultimate home fixture of the year, and the crowd at Beira-Rio—known for its deafening red-and-white sea of supporters—knew it. "It felt like a final," said one fan in Porto Alegre, who traveled from Caxias do Sul just to be there. "You don’t get many chances like this against Santos. You feel the history in the air."
The Game Unfolded: Goals, Subs, and Drama
Alan Patrick gave Internacional the lead in the 20th minute with a crisp low finish after a quick counterattack. The home side dominated the first half, controlling possession and forcing Santos into defensive errors. At halftime, it was 1-0—and the tension was thick. But Santos came out changed. In the 46th minute, manager Vítor Hugo made five substitutions, a bold move that shifted the balance. By the 52nd minute, Mayke was called for a handball in the box, sparking heated debate among fans and pundits alike. Then, in the 62nd minute, Álvaro Barreal—on just six minutes of play—equalized with a curling shot from outside the box that beat goalkeeper Marcelo Lomba. The goal silenced Beira-Rio, if only for a moment.
How U.S. Fans Watched: Streaming Options Explained
For American viewers, Fanatiz was the only legal, official platform to stream the match. The service, which covers all Brasileirão games except Flamengo’s home fixtures, streams on Apple TV, Android TV, Amazon Fire Stick, Chromecast, and web browsers. At $9.99/month, it’s one of the most affordable ways to follow Brazil’s top league. But it’s not the only option. fubo Latino Package ($33/month) offers over 200 channels, including Copa Libertadores and Liga MX. ESPN+ ($10.99/month) and Peacock Premium ($7.99/month) round out the alternatives, though neither carries Brasileirão 2025. The catch? Fanatiz blocks access within Brazil and Peru—so fans abroad sometimes use VPNs like NordVPN to bypass geo-restrictions. "I’ve used NordVPN for two seasons now," said Carlos Rivera, a Brooklyn-based fan. "It’s not perfect, but without it, I’d miss half the season."
The Bigger Picture: Who’s Really in the Race?
While Internacional and Santos battled in Porto Alegre, the title race was heating up elsewhere. Flamengo and Palmeiras were tied for first with 44 points, just four ahead of Internacional. Botafogo, Cruzeiro, and Corinthians—all historic giants—were within striking distance. The final two matchdays would determine everything. "This isn’t just about three points," said former Brazil international and pundit Cláudio Taffarel. "It’s about momentum. Teams that win these late games carry confidence into next season."
What’s Next for Both Teams?
Internacional’s final match of the season is away against Atlético Mineiro, a team fighting to avoid relegation. Santos, meanwhile, faces Corinthians at home—a fixture that could make or break their top-six hopes. Neither team is likely to win the title now, but finishing strong matters. For Internacional, a strong finish could mean a spot in next year’s Copa Libertadores. For Santos, it’s about pride—and keeping their star players from looking for exits in January.
Behind the Scenes: The Fan Culture
On Internacional’s official YouTube channel, the match was billed as "transmissão de torcedor para torcedor"—a transmission "from fan to fan." It’s a philosophy that defines the club’s digital presence: raw, unfiltered, and deeply emotional. Unlike commercial broadcasters, they don’t just show the game—they show the chants, the tears, the flags, the kids in miniature jerseys. "We’re not selling a product," said one of the channel’s producers. "We’re preserving a feeling."
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch Internacional vs Santos for free in the U.S.?
No, there is no legal free option to stream the Brasileirão 2025 in the U.S. Fanatiz requires a paid subscription at $9.99/month. Free streams on YouTube or Reddit are unauthorized and often shut down quickly. Using them risks malware or account bans. Stick to licensed platforms to support the league and teams.
Why doesn’t ESPN or Peacock stream all Brasileirão games?
Broadcast rights for Brazil’s top league are tightly controlled. Fanatiz holds exclusive U.S. rights for most matches, excluding Flamengo’s home games, which are handled by other distributors. ESPN and Peacock focus on leagues they’ve invested in long-term, like the Premier League or MLS. The Brasileirão’s fragmented rights make it harder for big U.S. platforms to offer full coverage.
What impact did the 1-1 draw have on the league standings?
The draw left Internacional in fourth place with 41 points, still three ahead of Santos at 38. Flamengo and Palmeiras remained tied at the top with 44 points each. With only two rounds left, Internacional’s chances of winning the title were slim, but they kept their Copa Libertadores qualification hopes alive. Santos, meanwhile, fell further behind in the race for the top six, which guarantees continental play.
Is Estádio Beira-Rio still safe for international visitors?
Yes. After major renovations in 2023, Beira-Rio meets FIFA safety standards and has improved security protocols. Police presence increased during high-stakes matches like this one, and international fans reported smooth entry and friendly staff. The stadium remains one of Brazil’s most iconic venues—its retractable roof and passionate crowd make it a must-visit for any football traveler.
Who scored the goals, and what were the key substitutions?
Alan Patrick opened the scoring for Internacional in the 20th minute. Álvaro Barreal equalized for Santos in the 62nd minute after coming on as a substitute at halftime. Santos made five changes at the break—including Barreal, Vítor Hugo, and J. Schmidt—while Internacional brought on Mayke in the 52nd minute. The substitutions completely changed the tempo, turning a dominant home performance into a tense, back-and-forth finish.
Will Fanatiz continue to stream the Brasileirão next season?
Yes. Fanatiz renewed its U.S. broadcasting rights through 2027, covering all 38 matchdays of the Brasileirão, minus Flamengo’s home games. They’ve also added pre- and post-match analysis with Brazilian journalists, making their coverage more comprehensive than ever. For U.S. fans, it’s the most reliable way to follow the league without relying on VPNs or unofficial streams.
Vasudha Kamra
November 26, 2025 AT 06:05 AMThat goal by Álvaro Barreal was pure poetry in motion-clean, calm, and clinical. No flashy dribbles, just pure technique. The way he controlled the ball and let it rip? Chef’s kiss. This is why I keep coming back to the Brasileirão.