Santos qualified for the Copa Sul-Americana playoffs this Tuesday (26) by defeating Deportivo Cuenca 3-0 at Vila Belmiro, in the sixth round of the group stage. The victory allowed Peixe to overtake San Lorenzo and finish second in Grupo D, with seven points.
Gabigol, Miguelito and Gabriel Bontempo scored the goals of the match. The result maintains the Brazilian team’s hope in the competition, which is now awaiting the outcome of the Sul-Americana and Libertadores group stages to find out its opponent in the next phase. Conforme the regulations, the second placed team faces the third place eliminated from the Conmebol tournament.
Início electrifying with chances on both sides
The first half started with a lot of intensity. Nos first 2 minutes, Santos created a clear chance with Bontempo, who sent it out. Logo later, Peixe made a mistake when passing the ball: Gabigol made a mistake in defense and Ordoñez came face to face with the goalkeeper, but was also wasted. VAR intervened to review a possible Piedra penalty afterwards. Referee Ospina understood that the defense touched with the shoulder, not the arm.
Golaço of Gabigol paves the way to victory
Gabigol resolved the uncertainty soon after. Bontempo took the ball to the baseline on the right side and served Igor Vinícius, who crossed to the center forward in the area. The player appeared close to the goalkeeper to put the ball into the back of the net: 1-0 for Santos. The advantage would eliminate Peixe if Recoleta beat San Lorenzo in the other group match.
Miguelito expands after Ecuadorian goalkeeper fails
The second half brought expansion. Miguelito took advantage of an error by goalkeeper Ferrero when the ball was passed out of Cuenca’s defense. Gabigol recovered the shot and opened it to Barreal, who crossed to the Santos winger. Miguelito finished strongly and got the second goal, despite his rival’s mistake.
Bontempo scores class goal
Gabriel Bontempo expanded 10 minutes into the second half with a perfect covering touch after a table with Gabigol in the area. The fluid movement resulted in one of the team’s most beautiful goals of the year. With the score at 3-0, Santos jumped to second place over Grupo D, guaranteeing their presence in the playoffs.
Próximos steps and situation in the competition
Deportivo Recoleta continues to lead the group with 8 points. Peixe ends the phase with 7 points after an inconsistent campaign: 4 draws, 1 defeat and just 1 win in 6 games. The classification was confirmed by the goal difference over San Lorenzo.
The complete definition of the opponents will be released this Thursday (28) at the end of the round of the two Conmebol competitions.
- Marcadores from Santos: Gabigol, Miguelito and Gabriel Bontempo
- Grupo Final D: Deportivo Recoleta (1st) and Santos (2nd)
- Próximo opponent: will be defined between Libertadores’s 3rd place finishers