Cuca Leads Santos Into Decisive Match, Santos Fc Vs Deportivo Cuenca Standings Tight
Santos sit bottom of Group D with four points from five matches, and santos fc vs deportivo cuenca standings now point to one outcome they must chase on Wednesday morning at the Estadio Urbano Caldeira. Cuca’s side need maximum points against Deportivo Cuenca to stay alive for the knockout phase.
Deportivo Cuenca arrive second in the group on six points from five matches, one point ahead of third-placed Recoleta. A draw in Baixada Santista could be enough for Jorge Celico’s team to secure a playoff spot if the other group fixture breaks their way.
Estadio Urbano Caldeira Pressure
Santos have taken four points from a possible 15 in CONMEBOL competitions in 2026, and they are the only Brazilian team yet to win a match in the competition this year. That record leaves them in a corner: anything short of victory ends their knockout hopes at home.
The home team also comes in after a 3-2 loss to Gremio in the Brasileirao last Saturday, even with Gabriel Barbosa scoring twice. Santos are 17th in the Brasileirao standings with 18 points from 17 matches, so this match sits inside a heavier week than a normal group-stage finale.
Neymar And Verissimo Out
Cuca has to manage the decisive match without Neymar, who is ruled out with a calf muscle injury in his right leg. Lucas Verissimo is suspended after receiving his third yellow card of the campaign against San Lorenzo, while Rollheiser, Thaciano, Joao Schmitdt and Gabriel Menino are recovering from injuries.
That leaves Santos short of options in the positions that usually carry their control and experience. The timing is awkward because the margin in Group D is already thin and the team cannot afford another slow start at home.
Deportivo Cuenca Bring Form
Deportivo Cuenca arrive unbeaten in seven matches across all competitions and drew 1-1 with LDU in LigaPro last Saturday. They also drew 2-2 with Recoleta on May 20, a result that ended their shot at direct qualification to the round of 16 and pushed this final group match into a more conditional path.
Patricio Boolsen is available after serving a suspension against Recoleta, and that gives Celico one more defensive option for a match that can still send his side through with a draw depending on the other result. Santos need the opposite: a win, or the campaign ends here.
