In the last round of the group stage, Santos secured this Tuesday (26) a place in the knockout stage of the Copa Sudamericana. At Vila Belmiro, the black and white team beat Deportivo Cuenca, from Ecuador, 3-0. The elastic score was decisive for the Brazilian team’s classification.
The squad led by coach Cuca finished in second place in Group D, with seven points, one less than leader Deportivo Recoleta, from Paraguay, and tied with San Lorenzo, from Argentina.
As Santos and San Lorenzo also finished tied in number of victories and in direct confrontation (1-1, in Buenos Aires, and 2-2, in Vila Belmiro), the goal difference defined the classification. With a balance of 2, against 1 for the Argentine team, the Brazilian team took the place.
Despite the absence of Neymar, who continues to recover from edema in his right calf and should only return to play for Santos after the World Cup, the black and white attack showed offensive volume.
Gabigol, 13 minutes into the first half, opened the way for Santos’ victory. After the break, Facundo Ferrero scored an own goal, in the third minute, extending the Brazilian team’s advantage. At 10, it was Gabriel Bontempo’s turn to leave his mark on the scoreboard.
In stoppage time, goalkeeper Gabriel Brazão even saved a penalty kick, securing the score with a three-goal advantage.
With the result, Santos will compete in the preliminary phase before competing in the round of 16.
The round of 16 playoffs in the Copa Sudamericana are played against the third-placed teams in the Libertadores group stage, in round-trip games. Whoever passes will go to the round of 16, where the first placed teams will be waiting.
Earlier, also this Tuesday, São Paulo beat Boston River, 2-0, at Morumbi, and advanced as leader of Group C.
