LIVE: Macará vs. Santos in Copa Sudamericana on beIN SPORTS

The Peixe head to Ambato with the advantage, where the Ecuadorian side will attempt to pull off a historic comeback.

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Macará Look to Overturn Santos' Lead in Ambato

Macará host Santos this Thursday, August 20, at Estadio Bellavista in the second leg of the 2026 Copa Sudamericana Round of 16. The Brazilian side won the opening match 2-1, leaving everything to play for in the final 90 minutes.

The Ecuadorian side will look to make the most of one of their biggest advantages: playing approximately 2,500 meters above sea level in Ambato. Macará need to win by two goals to advance directly, while a one-goal victory that levels the aggregate score would send the tie to penalties.

The reward would be historic. El Ídolo Ambateño have never reached the Copa Sudamericana quarterfinals and now have the opportunity to do so in front of their home supporters at Estadio Bellavista.

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How Macará Enter the Match Against Santos

Macará head into the second leg after a 1-1 draw against Universidad Católica in the Ecuadorian league, where Guillermo Sanguinetti's side remain near the top of the standings.

The Ecuadorian club already showed in Brazil that they can cause Santos problems. Franco Posse opened the scoring just five minutes into the first leg following a move created by Mateo Viera.

Goalkeeper Rodrigo Rodríguez also played a crucial role in keeping the tie alive, producing an excellent late save to deny Neymar from a free kick that appeared destined for the top corner.

Santos Arrive With the Lead and Plenty of Firepower

Santos travel to Ecuador after an emphatic 3-0 victory over Vasco da Gama in the Brasileirao and with the advantage secured in the opening match of the series.

Gabigol was one of the main protagonists in the first leg, scoring his 100th goal for Santos, while Neymar played a decisive role in the comeback by providing two assists.

Neymar's availability, however, remains one of the major questions ahead of the match. Reports from Brazil suggest the No. 10 could stay behind and not be included in the squad traveling to Ecuador.

History Is on Santos' Side

The advantage secured in Brazil also gives Santos an encouraging historical trend heading into the decisive match in Ambato.

The Peixe have advanced in 11 of their last 12 knockout ties after winning the first leg at home, a record that should provide confidence as they attempt to protect their 2-1 lead from Vila Belmiro.

Santos will have at least one confirmed absence, with Gabriel Escobar unavailable through suspension. Even so, the Brazilian side have enough attacking talent to search for an away goal that would make Macará's comeback considerably more difficult.

Macará Are 90 Minutes Away From History

The Ecuadorian side are preparing for one of the biggest international matches in club history. After finishing unbeaten at the top of Group A, Macará now have the opportunity to reach a stage of the competition they have never experienced before.

The Uruguayan core of Rodrigo Rodríguez, Santiago Etchebarne and Franco Posse will be among Sanguinetti's key weapons as his team attempts to turn the tie around.

Santos, meanwhile, will look to match their best-ever Copa Sudamericana run and continue chasing one of the few major continental trophies still missing from their collection.