- Home >
- Soccer >
- CONMEBOL Sudamericana >
- How and Where to Watch: Universidad Central vs. Santos | Copa Sudamericana Knockout Round Playoffs
How and Where to Watch: Universidad Central vs. Santos | Copa Sudamericana Knockout Round Playoffs
Neymar is set to return with Santos as the Brazilian club faces Universidad Central in the Copa Sudamericana Knockout Round Playoffs, with a place in the Round of 16 on the line.
Santos begins its road to the Round of 16
The Copa Sudamericana has reached the Knockout Round Playoffs, where 16 clubs will battle over two legs for the final eight spots in the Round of 16.
Among those teams is Brazilian giant Santos, which finished second in its group and narrowly missed out on direct qualification. Now, the Peixe must take the longer route if they hope to continue their quest for another continental title.
Santos fans will be hoping Neymar is fully focused after a FIFA World Cup campaign in which the Brazilian forward was limited by injury and unable to help his national team meet expectations.
Tuesday's match against Venezuelan side Universidad Central could mark Neymar's first CONMEBOL knockout match since 2012, when he helped Santos defeat Universidad de Chile to win the Recopa Sudamericana. More than a decade later, the Brazilian icon returns looking to guide his boyhood club back toward continental success.
History favors the Brazilian giants
Santos enters the series with history on its side. The Brazilian club has never lost to Venezuelan opposition, going unbeaten in eight previous meetings, six of which came in knockout competitions.
If that trend continues, Santos will move one step closer to reaching the Round of 16 and continue its pursuit of a first South American club trophy since Neymar inspired the club to continental glory 14 years ago.
How to watch Universidad Central vs. Santos
Competition: CONMEBOL Copa Sudamericana – Knockout Round Playoffs (First Leg)
Match: Universidad Central vs. Santos
Date: Tuesday, July 21
Kickoff: 8:20 PM ET / 5:20 PM PT
