Cuca hails Santos display despite Neymar and Gabigol absences in 2-2 draw at Bahia | OneFootball

Cuca praised Santos’ response after a 2-2 draw away to Bahia in Salvador on Saturday, in the 13th round of the Campeonato Brasileiro, despite being without Neymar, Gabriel Barbosa and Willian Arão.

According to Diario Do Peixe, the coach felt the result had the sting of a defeat but said the performance offered encouragement even without leading names, adding he left frustrated and would address issues internally.

He noted Santos arrived with seven or eight changes from the previous match and argued that showing their football at this moment is as important as the result.

Neymar was rested after four consecutive outings to be in better condition for the Copa Sudamericana tie with San Lorenzo. Gabriel Barbosa missed out through suspension after receiving his third yellow card in the prior round. Arão was also preserved, prompting a reshuffle across the side.

Even so, Cuca praised those promoted to the starting XI, highlighting Rollheiser and Ananias among players who seized their chance and added depth to the group.

The draw adds a point to Santos’ tally. Focus now turns to Tuesday’s trip to Buenos Aires to face San Lorenzo, before meeting Palmeiras in the next league round.

Source: Diario Do Peixe