How and Where to Watch: Santos vs. Macará LIVE on beIN SPORTS

Neymar needs to deliver in the Copa Sudamericana to save a sorry season for Santos

📺 The Great Conquest in the Sudamericana, LIVE on beIN SPORTS

Spotlight on Neymar

Neymar is always going to be the biggest feature of a media landscape wherever he plays, whether it be Spain, France or Brazil. However, fans of Santos would have hoped that the iconic footballer's activities on the pitch would be dominating rather than everything going on with Neymar away from the game.

The current issue is the lack of playing time for the Brazilian star at a club that is in desperate trouble in the relegation zone in the league. Neymar’s absence is both due to injury and self-inflicting issues.

The footballer missed last weekend’s damaging league defeat against Atletico PR due to suspension. Head coach, Cuca, declared that he was going to talk to Neymar about his disciplinary issues. Neymar himself seems to be focused on the club of his future, rather than the one he is at now. The forward’s contract with Santos expires on December 31st and Neymar admits that he has no idea what to do next.

However, he did promise this week that he would "honor the Santos shirt as best I can.” He can back up those words straight away with action in the Copa Sudamericana Round of 16 first leg match against Ecuadorian opponents, Macará.

The Brazilian side had to battle through playoffs to reach this stage and a strong international campaign might help put a gloss on a torrid campaign for both Santos and the team’s biggest star.

Thursday August 13th
5:50PM ET / 2:50PM PT
Santos vs. Maracá - live on beIN SPORTS