In a night of tension and thin air, Santos achieved their goal: a 0-0 draw against Macará at the Bellavista stadium in Ambato, Ecuador, was enough to advance to the quarterfinals of the 2026 Copa Sudamericana. The Brazilian club, which had won 2-1 in the first leg at home, resisted the Ecuadorian side's attacks and celebrated qualification.
The match, played on August 20, 2026, reflected the stakes. Macará needed a goal to force penalties but met a well-organized and defensively solid Santos. The altitude of 2,577 meters above sea level (Ambato sits in the Ecuadorian highlands) added an extra challenge, but coach Pedro Caixinha's team managed the game's tempo effectively.
A Draw That Feels Like a Win
The home side dominated possession and created several chances but lacked precision in the final third. Santos, meanwhile, relied on counterattacks and nearly surprised on multiple occasions. Goalkeeper João Paulo was instrumental in keeping a clean sheet.
The absence of Neymar, who was not called up as a precaution, did not prevent the team from showing character. Forward Wendel and midfielder Lucas Lima were the most dangerous in attack.
Road to the Quarterfinals
With this result, Santos joins other qualified teams: Boca Juniors, River Plate (pending), Vasco da Gama, Botafogo, Montevideo City Torque, and Atlético Mineiro. The quarterfinal draw will take place in the coming weeks.
For Macará, elimination stings, but the Ambato side left a strong impression in their first international campaign. Coach Héctor Hernández praised his players' effort: "We faced a South American giant and competed on equal terms."
The tie was decided by the 2-1 first-leg result (goals from Wendel and Lucas Lima for Santos; a consolation from Michael Hoyos for Macará) and the 0-0 return leg.
Key Facts
- Date: August 20, 2026
- Venue: Estadio Bellavista, Ambato (Ecuador)
- Altitude: 2,577 m
- Aggregate: Santos 2-1 Macará
- Neymar: Not available (precaution)