Will Neymar Play for Santos Against Macará This Thursday?

The big question surrounding Santos vs. Macará in the second leg of the 2026 Copa Sudamericana Round of 16 is whether Neymar will play this Thursday. The Brazilian forward does not appear on the São Paulo side’s squad list for the match at Bellavista Stadium in Ambato.

The absence of the ’10’ is one of the biggest storylines heading into the match, especially after his performance in the first leg, when Santos defeated Macará 2-1 at Vila Belmiro. Now, the Brazilian side will have to defend that lead without one of its biggest stars and against a particularly challenging backdrop.

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Santos Has the Advantage, but Things Could Get Complicated

The 2-1 victory in Brazil puts Santos in a favorable position, although the tie is far from decided. Cuca’s side only needs a draw to secure its place in the quarterfinals, while Macará will have to go after the result from the opening whistle.

Santos already knows what it is like to play in Ecuador this season after suffering a 1-0 defeat to Deportivo Cuenca during the group stage. That experience could serve as a warning ahead of the trip to Ambato.

Neymar’s absence forces Santos to spread the responsibility among other players, while the Ecuadorian side knows it must remain alert because any mistake could change the course of the tie.

Macará Wants to Take Advantage of Neymar’s Absence

On the other side will be a Macará side determined to make history. The Ecuadorian club is looking to reach the quarterfinals of a continental tournament for the first time and enters the second leg with the need to mount a comeback.

The Ecuadorians need to win by at least two goals to qualify directly. A one-goal victory would send the tie to a penalty shootout, leaving Santos with very little room for error.

The home side’s strategy is straightforward: take advantage of playing at home, put pressure on Santos and turn Neymar’s absence into a factor that could swing the match in its favor. Without the Brazilian ’10’ on the pitch, the Ecuadorians will have an opportunity to test the depth of the São Paulo squad.

Who Can Step Up for Santos?

Without Neymar, the spotlight will turn to other names in Santos’ attack and midfield. Christian Oliva, Benjamín Rollheiser, Miguelito Terceros and Gustavo Caballero are among the players expected to take on greater responsibility in a match that could determine the club’s international future.

The team secured a convincing 3-0 victory over Vasco da Gama in its most recent Brasileirão match, with Neymar playing a starring role and Gabigol also getting on the scoresheet. However, neither player will be available for this trip to Ecuador.

Cuca’s challenge will be to ensure that his team maintains the necessary solidity to protect the lead earned at Vila Belmiro. Santos advances with a win or a draw, while Macará needs to win by two goals to avoid a penalty shootout.

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