UCV and Santos dey ready to begin their fight for Copa Sudamericana round of 16 spot on Wednesday. Di first leg go take place at Misael Delgado Stadium for Valencia, Venezuela, after CONMEBOL change venue because of recent earthquakes for di area.
Di hosts dey bank on home advantage and quick adaptation of new signings to pull off upset. Meanwhile, Santos arrive as clear favourites, backed by their squad wey get plenty international experience.
Santos dey under pressure after 2-1 defeat to Botafogo for their return to Brasileiro action. Dem concede di winner for stoppage time. Santos currently dey 16th with 21 points for league table, and now their attention don shift fully to Copa Sudamericana.
For group stage, Santos collect seven points from six matches. Dem win only once, draw four, and lose one to advance for second place on goal difference. Their best performance na 3-0 win over Deportivo Cuenca at Vila Belmiro.
Since March, manager Alexi Stival dey try to bring more consistency to Santos squad. Di group dey led by captain Neymar and top scorer Gabigol wey get 14 goals this season. But neida of dem dey called up for this clash.
For Valencia, Santos dey expected to prioritise possession without compromising defensive organisation. Dis go be first-ever meeting between UCV and Santos.
Di return leg dey set for July 28 at Vila Belmiro. Di winner on aggregate go face Macara of Ecuador for Copa Sudamericana round of 16.
Universidad Central enter Wednesday match for rebuilding phase after losing seven players during World Cup break. Di most significant departure na forward Juan Manuel Cuesta, their top scorer for continental campaign, wey join Sporting Cristal.
Carlos Cermeno, Charlis Ortiz, Jovanny Bolivar, Adrian Martinez, Ruben Ramirez, and Kendry Mendoza also leave before knockout stage. For Copa Libertadores, Universidad Central finish third for Group H with nine points from six matches.
Their highlight na pair of wins over Libertad, with Juan Manuel Cuesta netting twice. As best third-placed team, dem secure playoff spot for Copa Sudamericana.
For Venezuelan Championship, UCV get mixed end to Apertura. Dem thrash Academia Puerto Cabello 3-1 but then lose to same side and to Portuguesa, conceding decisive goals late and for first half.
Managed by Daniel Sasso, wey win treble for 2025, UCV dey rely on 4-3-3 formation and strong tactical organisation.
UCV enter di clash with no injury or suspension concerns, but with heavily modified squad after seven departures during World Cup break. To compensate, di club sign Gonzalo Mottes, Edwin Peraza, Williams Lugo, Edwin Mosquera, and Steven Pabon.
While these reinforcements provide more options for knockout phase, lack of chemistry remain challenge for di clash against Santos.
Santos go get major absentees for first leg for Venezuela. Neymar still dey regain fitness after post-World Cup break. Despite training at Rei Pele Training Center, e no dey named for travelling squad.
In addition to Neymar, Cuca go dey without Gabigol, wey sidelined with adductor myalgia and remain for Baixada Santista for treatment. Willian Arao and Igor Vinicius dey rested, while Joao Schmidt, for final stages of recovery from thigh discomfort, complete list of absentees.
UCV possible starting lineup: Morales; Silva, Velasquez, Peraza, Carrillo; Gonzalez, Sole; Sosa, Zapata, Rodriguez; Bolivar. Santos possible starting lineup: Brazao; Menino, Peres, Escobar; Henrique Oliva, Rolheiser; Barreal, Miguelito; Thaciano, Moises, Rony.
Santos dey favourites due to superior technical quality of their squad and international experience of their core players. Even away from home, Peixe arrive motivated by their qualification for playoffs.
Given UCV massive overhaul during season break and lack of chemistry among new signings, Santos dey expected to control game and get excellent chance of leaving Venezuela with advantage.
