Cuca says anything can happen before Palmeiras second leg at Vila Belmiro | OneFootball

According to Diario Do Peixe, Cuca is keeping expectations measured and says anything can happen as Santos prepare for the Copa do Brasil quarter-final second leg against Palmeiras at Vila Belmiro.

Santos lost the first leg 3-0 at Nubank Parque. The second leg kicks off on Wednesday at 21:30.

After beating Corinthians in the Brasileiro, the squad were due back on Monday for tests and a recovery session, and are expected to hold a single full training on Tuesday.

Cuca noted they recently scored four away without conceding, and stressed the need to rest, assess who is in the best condition, then decide on the team to face Palmeiras. He accepted the opponents have a scoreboard advantage, but pointed to home support and said they must try to play well and see what follows.

To reach the semi-finals, Santos must win by four goals. A three-goal margin would send the tie to penalties. Progression is worth R$ nine million.

Elsewhere, the quarter-finals feature Atlético-MG v Cruzeiro, Vasco v Vitória and Grêmio v Internacional.

Santos entered in the fifth phase, advancing past Coritiba 2-0 on aggregate, then Remo 1-0 in the last 16. They remain unbeaten at home and are yet to concede as hosts.

Source: Diario Do Peixe

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”