Santos ratings: Arão and Oliva shine, Gabigol supplies both assists | OneFootball

Santos beat Atlético-MG 2-0 in the Copa Sudamericana, with Willian Arão and Oliva scoring from two Gabigol assists. Globo.com notes that Cuca's side were well organised and largely in control.

Arão, used at centre-back in the absence of Lucas Veríssimo, struck in the first half after neat service from Gabigol.

Goalkeeper Gabriel Brazão made a sharp stop immediately after the interval and grew in assurance.

Oliva later made it 2-0 from close range, again teed up by Gabigol, whose movement and awareness drove Santos' attack.

New arrival Rodinei impressed just days after joining, almost scoring and balancing solid defending with energetic work going forward. Luan Peres and Escobar were steady, while Gustavo Henrique went close with a powerful strike.

Arthur Melo kept the midfield calm and organised, and Gabriel Bontempo, fresh from a first Brazil call-up, was central to most attacks. Rollheiser combined well, while Thaciano's effort outstripped his end product.

Late substitutions saw Igor Vinícius, João Schmidt, Lima and Caballero feature, with limited impact beyond shoring things up. Cuca's choices looked sound despite absences.

Source: Globo.com

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