Santos Arrives in Ecuador Without Neymar and Gabigol
Santos will travel to Ambato for the second leg of the 2026 Copa Sudamericana round of 16 without its star players Neymar and Argentine Gabigol. Coach Alexi Stival, known as Cuca, has chosen to preserve both players due to the club’s precarious situation in the Brasileirão.
Reason for the Absence
Santos is just 2 points above the relegation zone, and next Sunday will face Mirassol, one of the teams in the drop zone. Given the importance of that match, Cuca prioritized the national league and opted to protect his key players.
Advantage and Match Context
Santos arrives with a 2‑1 advantage earned in the first leg at Vila Belmiro. For the return in Ambato, the team will also miss Argentine Álvaro Barreal and Igor Vinícius, both preserved by technical decision.
Other Players Affected
Besides Neymar and Gabigol, Santos will also be without Lucas Veríssimo, Gabriel Menino, and Gabriel Bontempo, who are injured, and Gonzalo Escobar, who cannot play due to suspension.
Offensive Responsibility
In the eight matches this season without Neymar and Gabigol, the Brazilian side managed only one win, lost four, and drew three. Offensive responsibility now falls on Christian Oliva, Benjamín Rollheiser, Miguelito Terceros, and Gustavo Caballero.
Macará Seeks History
Macará, led by Guillermo Sanguinetti, must overturn the deficit to reach the quarter‑finals for the first time in a continental tournament. The team sits second in the Ecuadorian league with 42 points in 25 matches and recently drew 1‑1 against Universidad Católica. To advance directly, Macará must win by two or more goals; a one‑goal win would lead to penalties.
The Encounter
Santos arrives with a 2‑1 advantage, and a draw in Ambato will be enough to progress. The Brazilian club already suffered at Ecuadorian altitude, losing 1‑0 to Deportivo Cuenca in the group stage, so Macará hopes to exploit Ambato’s 2,600‑meter elevation.
