Santos will clash with Deportivo Cuenca in their final Group D match of the Copa Sudamericana. This encounter takes place at Estadio Urbano Caldeira on Wednesday morning, making it a pivotal encounter for both teams. Santos needs a win to have any hope of progressing to the knockout stage, while Deportivo Cuenca aims to solidify their position in the group.
Santos’ Challenge in Copa Sudamericana
Santos currently struggles in the domestic league, sitting in the relegation zone with 18 points from 17 matches. They have not secured a victory in the Copa Sudamericana this year, accumulating only four points. This is problematic, as they are the only Brazilian team yet to record a win in the competition for 2026.
- Last match: Santos 2 – Gremio 3
- Top scorer: Gabriel Barbosa, despite the recent defeat
- Current league position: 17th in Brasileirão
Deportivo Cuenca’s Form
In contrast, Deportivo Cuenca arrives in solid form, unbeaten in seven consecutive matches across all competitions. They recently played to a 1-1 draw against LDU in Ecuador’s LigaPro, keeping them in the top four.
- Last Copa Sudamericana match: 2-2 draw with Recoleta
- Current Group D position: 2nd with 6 points from 5 matches
Team News
Santos faces significant challenges with key players sidelined. Neymar is ruled out with a calf injury, expected to miss the World Cup. Additionally, captain Lucas Verissimo is suspended, along with several other injured players.
- Neymar: Out due to calf injury
- Verissimo: Suspended
- Others: Rollheiser, Thaciano, Joao Schmidt, and Gabriel Menino are injured
For Deportivo Cuenca, coach Jorge Celico will have a full squad, bolstered by the return of defender Patricio Boolsen, who was suspended in their last match. Cuenca is poised to field a lineup similar to their successful start against Santos in April.
Predictions and Expectations
The upcoming match promises excitement as both teams vie for qualification. Santos desperately needs a victory, but their injured stars and poor form complicate matters. Conversely, Deportivo Cuenca may only require a draw to secure a playoff spot, allowing them to adopt a strategic approach.
The predicted outcome is a 2-2 draw, given the circumstances surrounding both teams. With everything on the line, the clash in Baixada Santista is set to capture the attention of fans and analysts alike.
