 On 9 July, with the team in the relegation zone, Fernandes was replaced by Dorival Júnior, who returned to the club after nearly five years.In October, Santos entered in Campeonato Brasileiro's after a five-year "drought" (precisely 187 rounds).The club also reached the year's Copa do Brasil finals, again facing Palmeiras in a two-legged tie; it was also the first final of the tournament disputed by two clubs from the São Paulo state.