Santos FC come from behind to beat Macará in Copa Sul-Americana opener | OneFootball

Santos FC won the first leg of the CONMEBOL Sudamericana against CD Macará at Vila Belmiro by 2-1. This Thursday’s (13) Santos victory came from behind, with the team’s goals scored by Gabriel Barbosa and Willian Arão. Peixe will face Macará again in Ecuador for the return leg on the 20th. In the Brazilian Championship, Santos FC will return to the pitch on Sunday (16) against Vasco at São Januário.

Just two minutes in, Neymar Jr. took a free kick on the visiting team’s goal. Goalkeeper Rodrigo Rodriguez parried the ball away for a corner.

Macará opened the scoring in the third minute, with a goal by Posse.

Santos FC threatened again in the 42nd minute from a corner kick. The ball was sent into the box and Willian Arão rose to head it, but it went straight into the goalkeeper’s hands.

Shortly afterward came the equalizer. In the minute following Arão’s chance, Neymar Jr. provided a brilliant assist for Gabriel Barbosa. The Menino da Vila made no mistake, found the net, and scored his 100th goal in a Santos FC shirt.

In the second half, in the 18th minute, Peixe threatened again. Schmidt received a low cross inside the box and fired — the goalkeeper saved it, Barreal went for the rebound, and the ball once again ended up with Rodrigo Rodriguez.

In the 30th minute, from a Neymar Jr. corner, came the comeback. The ball went up at the near post and Arão redirected it into the goal. This time, there was nothing the opposing goalkeeper could do, as he had to pick the ball out of the back of his net.

In the final play of the match, Neymar Jr. caused more danger for the opponent’s goal. The number 10 took a free kick and tested the visiting team’s goalkeeper. The keeper made the save, but soon after the referee blew the final whistle and sealed Santos’ victory.

CONMEBOL Sudamericana – Round of 16

Santos FC 2-1 CD Macará

Venue: Estádio Urbano Caldeira, in Santos (SP)Date: Thursday, August 13, 2026Time: 7:00 p.m.Attendance: 10,257 paidRevenue: R$ 525,353.75Referee: Kevin Ortega (PER)Assistant referees: Michael Orue (PER) and Jesus Sanchez (PER)Video assistant referee: Joel Alarcon (PER)Yellow cards: (SFC) Escobar, Barreal and Gabriel Barbosa (CDM) Ayala, Cazares, Bolaños, Rodrigo Rodriguez and Mohor

GOALS:

SFC: Gabriel Barbosa, 43' 1st half, and Willian Arão, 30' 2nd half.CDM: Posse, 3' 1st half;

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