Santos set to keep UCV second leg at Vila Belmiro | OneFootball

Santos are set to stage their Copa Sudamericana play-off second leg against UCV at Vila Belmiro on Tuesday 28 at 21:30, after capital options fell through.

According to Diario Do Peixe, the board explored moving the tie to São Paulo to be closer to supporters and boost revenue, but every major stadium already had commitments.

Cuca’s side won the first leg 4-1 in Valencia, Venezuela, at Misael Delgado, with goals from Gabriel Bontempo, Gabriel Menino, Thaciano and Rony. Santos can lose by up to two goals and still reach the last 16, while a three-goal defeat would take it to penalties.

The club first approached Mercado Livre Arena Pacaembu, which is unavailable due to a Jorge & Mateus concert. It then tried Neo Química Arena, but Corinthians’ maintenance company did not authorise it, with the hosts playing there on Thursday 30 against Athletico-PR in the Brasileirão.

Allianz Parque’s synthetic surface and an internal veto, given the team could be without Neymar, ruled that option out. Morumbis is replacing its pitch after Harry Styles shows, and Canindé lacks Conmebol approval. As a result, the match is expected to remain at Vila Belmiro.

Conmebol have already drawn the last 16. If Santos confirm qualification, they will face Maracá of Ecuador and would also bank 600,000 dollars.

Source: Diario Do Peixe