Santos FC are set to face Deportivo Cuenca in a Copa Sudamericana Group D match. The Brazilian side, without Neymar due to injury, need a victory to keep their hopes of reaching the playoffs alive. Meanwhile, Deportivo Cuenca aim to win the group and secure a spot in the round of 16.
Santos’ Path to the Playoffs
Santos are currently at the bottom of Group D with four points. The club are out of contention for the top spot. However, the Peixe are aiming to climb to second place, which would give them the chance to fight for a place in the next phase through a play-off against a team transferring from the Copa Libertadores.
Santos will achieve their objective if they win at Vila Belmiro and San Lorenzo win or draw their match. However, should Recoleta win, the São Paulo team will need to win and make up a three-goal difference to San Lorenzo. This is because the Brazilians and Argentinians drew their two direct matches.
Deportivo Cuenca’s Qualification Scenarios
Deportivo Cuenca currently have six points. Cuenca will progress to the next phase if they win and San Lorenzo and Recoleta draw.
If they draw, the Ecuadorian side will qualify for the playoffs as long as Recoleta do not win in their visit to Argentina.
Other Group D Fixtures
In the other match of the final day of this group stage, the leaders San Lorenzo, with seven points, face Deportivo Recoleta. The Paraguayan side have five points.
The matches will determine which teams advance in the Copa Sudamericana.