Santos will kick off their Copa Sudamericana campaign on April 8, facing Deportivo Cuenca away in Ecuador. This match marks the first official encounter between the two clubs, despite Deportivo Cuenca having over 50 years of history.
Overview of Deportivo Cuenca
Deportivo Cuenca was established on March 24, 1971. Located in the city of Cuenca, the club plays its home games at Estadio Alejandro Serrano Aguilar. This stadium has a capacity of approximately 22,000 spectators. The team is commonly known by its nicknames, “Expresso Austral” and “Morlacos.”
Historical Achievements
Since its inception, Deportivo Cuenca quickly joined the national league within a month. The club achieved promotion to the top division in 1972 and finished as a runner-up in 1975 and 1976. Its most notable season occurred in 2004 when Deportivo Cuenca secured its only Ecuadorian title, defeating Aucas 3-2. This victory ended the dominance of clubs from Quito and Guayaquil.
Current Season Outlook
Currently, Deportivo Cuenca is led by Argentine coach Jorge Célico. Although organized and competitive, the team has faced challenges in attack early this season. They have struggled to score goals, particularly against tightly organized defenses.
Copa Sudamericana Context
The upcoming match between Santos and Deportivo Cuenca is part of the group stage of the Sudamericana. Specifically, it falls in Group D. The return leg is scheduled for May 26 at Vila Belmiro.
- Match Date: April 8
- Return Match: May 26
- Stadium Capacity: 22,000
- Deportivo Cuenca Founded: March 24, 1971
- Notable Achievements: One Ecuadorian title in 2004
