Santos face extra test for Sul-Americana quarters without Neymar and Gabigol | OneFootball

Santos face a decisive Copa Sul-Americana trip to Ambato without Neymar and Gabigol, seeking progress to the quarter-finals despite a poor record in their absence.

They beat Macará 2-1 in last Thursday's first leg at Vila Belmiro, so a draw at 19:00 Brasília time in Ambato, altitude 2,600 metres, would be enough. According to Globo.com, both forwards did not travel for physical reasons.

Across eight matches without the pair this season, Santos have managed only one win, four defeats and three draws, a 25% points return. With the duo together, the rate rises to 52.08% over 16 games.

Cuca's side also remain in the Copa do Brasil, where they face Palmeiras, and are wary of the Brasileirão relegation fight. The staff, prioritising Série A survival, chose to rest players given the demanding travel and altitude.

Neymar and Gabigol, along with fellow starters Barreal and Igor Vinicius, will stay at CT Rei Pelé to prepare for Sunday's 18:30 Brasília time meeting with Mirassol at Vila Belmiro. Santos are 14th on 25 points, Mirassol 17th with 23.

Source: Globo.com

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