Santos FC played out a goalless 0–0 draw against Ecuadorian side Club Deportivo Macará at the Estadio Bellavista in Ambato, Ecuador. Thanks to their 2–1 victory in the first leg at home, Santos secured a 2–1 victory on aggregate, advancing to the Quarter-Finals of the CONMEBOL Sudamericana.
Santos displayed defensive resilience throughout the 90 minutes, led by goalkeeper Gabriel Brazão and center-back Luan Peres. While Macará pressed hard to erase the deficit, Santos controlled the tempo and contained the home team’s attack.
Why Did Neymar Not Play?
Neymar was rested for this away fixture as part of squad management by the Santos coaching team. Having played full 90-minute matches in recent weeks—including a decisive Serie A victory over Vasco da Gama on August 17—the 34-year-old superstar was left out of the starting lineup to avoid overload ahead of Santos’ upcoming league match against Mirassol FC on August 23. Resting Neymar in high-altitude conditions in Ambato was a tactical choice to keep him fit for the ongoing domestic season.
