Santos ratings: Gabigol shines in normal time, then falters in penalty shootout | OneFootball

Santos were eliminated by Atlético-MG in the Copa Sudamericana after a penalty shootout, with Gabigol starring in normal time but missing from the spot. According to Globo.com, Cuca’s side mixed resilience with costly errors in a turbulent tie.

Under heavy first-half pressure, Santos conceded three before the break. Luan Peres endured one of his worst nights for the club, erring on all three, then being booked for throwing the ball at a rival. Goalkeeper Gabriel Brazão recovered from a shaky start, produced a fine late save, then conceded again, and kept out one penalty.

Cuca corrected at half-time, introducing Lucas Veríssimo to steady the back line and Arthur Melo to organise midfield. Arthur soon supplied a superb pass for Gabigol to reduce the deficit, though Santos could not stem the late Atlético-MG pressure.

Rony won the foul that preceded Santos’ goal and later teed up Gabriel Bontempo for a good chance. João Schmidt struggled early, improved as the game settled, then failed from the spot. Gustavo Henrique was insecure and lost possession in the build-up to a goal, departing at the interval.

Cuello struck late to take it to penalties, with Rodinei culpable in the marking, while Escobar and Rollheiser were below recent levels. Oliva added defensive cover and João Ananias arrived late under intense pressure. In the shootout, Arthur Melo and Gabigol failed along with João Schmidt, Bontempo converted, and Brazão saved one, but Santos went out.

Source: Globo.com

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