Santos Kick Off Copa Sudamericana Campaign Against Cuenca
Santos will face Deportivo Cuenca on Wednesday, April 8th, in the opening match of Group D of the 2025 Copa Sudamericana. The game will be played at the Alejandro Serrano Aguilar Stadium in Cuenca, Ecuador, with a kickoff time of 7:00 PM Brasília time.
Neymar’s Status and Team Lineups
Despite anticipation, Neymar will not feature in the starting lineup for Santos in this match. The team will be led by coach Cuca.
Deportivo Cuenca’s probable starting lineup: Facundo Ferrero. Eddie Guevara, Patricio Boolsen, Santiago Postel, Carlos Arboleda; Lucas Mancinelli, Stalin Morocho, Edison Vega, David González, Melvin Díaz; Nicolás Leguizamón.
Santos’ probable starting lineup: Gabriel Brazão; Igor Vinícius, Lucas Veríssimo, Luan Peres, Escobar; Christian Oliva, Gustavo Henrique, Gabriel Bontempo; Barreal, Thaciano, and Rony.
Where to Watch
Fans can catch the action live on ESPN and via streaming on Disney+. Please check with your local streaming service and/or TV provider for availability.
A Look Back at Copa Sudamericana Champions
The Copa Sudamericana has a rich history of champions from across South America. Here’s a quick look at recent winners:
- Racing (Argentina): 2024
- Defensa y Justicia (Argentina): 2020
- Chapecoense (Brazil): 2016
- Santa Fe (Colombia): 2015
- River Plate (Argentina): 2014
- São Paulo (Brazil): 2012
- Universidad de Chile (Chile): 2011
- Internacional (Brazil): 2008
- Arsenal de Sarandí (Argentina): 2007
- Pachuca (Mexico): 2006
- Cienciano (Peru): 2003
- San Lorenzo (Argentina): 2002
- LDU (Ecuador): 2009 & 2023
- Independiente del Valle (Ecuador): 2019 & 2022
- Athletico (Brazil): 2018 & 2021
- Independiente (Argentina): 2010 & 2017
- Boca Juniors (Argentina): 2004 & 2005
- Lanus (Argentina): 2013 & 2025
Copa Sudamericana Format
The tournament consists of eight groups, each with four teams. The group winner advances directly to the round of 16, while the runner-up enters a playoff stage against one of the third-placed teams from the Copa Libertadores.
FAQ
- When is the match? Wednesday, April 8th, 2026, at 7:00 PM Brasília time.
- Where is the match being played? Alejandro Serrano Aguilar Stadium, Cuenca, Ecuador.
- Will Neymar play? No, Neymar will not be playing in this match.
- Where can I watch the game? ESPN and Disney+.
Stay tuned for further updates and analysis of Santos’ Copa Sudamericana journey.