Cuca hails Santos’ progress and defends work after stalemate at Macará | OneFootball

Santos reached the Copa Sudamericana quarter-finals after a 0-0 draw at Macará in Ambato on Thursday, advancing thanks to their 2-1 first-leg win at Vila Belmiro. Head coach Cuca left satisfied and called for balance amid criticism.

According to Diario Do Peixe, Cuca rotated for the trip, leaving Neymar and Gabriel Barbosa in Brazil. The reshaped side were short of attacking fluency but stuck to the plan.

He accepted it was not especially pretty, particularly after the interval, yet felt the approach worked and there were late chances. Above all, he praised a near-faultless defensive display, with few moments of danger conceded.

Defending his work, he pointed to seven wins, two draws and two defeats in the last 11 matches before this game, a 70% return, and 63% across the last 16. He asked for calm and balance, saying that off nights will happen and that, with patience, they can finish the year well.

Santos will face Atlético-MG in the last eight, with the first leg at Vila Belmiro between 8 and 10 September. The return is scheduled for Arena MRV in Belo Horizonte between 15 and 17 September.

Attention now turns back to the Campeonato Brasileiro. Mirassol visit on Sunday 23 at 18:30 Brasília time, also at Vila Belmiro.

It is a direct meeting near the foot of the table, Santos sit 14th on 25 points and Mirassol are 17th with 23.

Source: Diario Do Peixe

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