Santos defends Copa Sudamericana lead without stars Neymar, Gabigol

Santos faces Macará in Ecuador on Thursday, needing to defend a 2-1 lead from the first leg of their Copa Sudamericana tie without their star forwards Neymar and Gabigol. Coach Cuca opted to rest several key players, including the influential duo, due to Santos's precarious position in the Brazilian league. The team is just two points above the relegation zone and faces a crucial domestic match next Sunday.

Beyond Neymar and Gabigol, Santos will also be without Álvaro Barreal and Igor Vinícius. The team's performance without its main attacking threats has been concerning, with only one win in eight matches this season when both Neymar and Gabigol were absent. The responsibility will fall on a quartet of South American midfielders: Christian Oliva, Benjamín Rollheiser, Miguelito Terceros, and Gustavo Caballero.

Adding to Santos's challenges is the high altitude of Ambato, where the match will be played at 2,600 meters. The team previously lost 1-0 in Ecuador to Deportivo Cuenca, playing at 2,500 meters. Coach Cuca expressed confidence in his team's ability to compete, stating, "Regardless of the team that travels to Ecuador, we will always put our soul, our spirit, as we have done in matches, to return qualified."

Meanwhile, Deportivo Macará is seeking to advance to the quarterfinals of a continental tournament for the first time. The Ecuadorian club is enjoying a strong domestic season, sitting second in their league. Coach Guillermo Sanguinetti is optimistic about leveraging the home-field advantage of the altitude. "It's an adverse result, but it was the first match. We have 90 minutes left playing at home in the altitude, and the tie is open," he declared.