Deportivo Cuenca vs Santos Preview: Predictions, Team News, and Lineups
Santos travel to high altitude to face Deportivo Cuenca in the opening round of Copa Sudamericana Group D. The match takes place at Estadio Alejandro Serrano Aguilar on Wednesday evening.
Match context
Cuenca reached the group stage with a 3-0 preliminary win over Libertad de Loja. The victory highlighted their strength at home.
This will be Cuenca’s fifth Sudamericana appearance. They have advanced beyond the opening phase only once in their previous four campaigns.
Recent form — Deportivo Cuenca
The Southern Express have shown positive signs in 2026. In eight competitive matches they registered four wins, two draws and two losses.
Their most recent result was a 2-0 victory at Emelec. Matias Klimowicz and German Ariel Rivero scored late at Estadio George Capwell.
Jorge Celico’s side sit fifth in the LigaPro table and carry momentum into the continental opener.
Recent form — Santos
Santos return to the Sudamericana for a 10th time. Their best runs reached the quarter-finals in 2003, 2004 and 2021.
The club fell to relegation in recent years. They clinched continental qualification only on the final day of the 2025 Brasileiro.
In 2026, Santos have played 19 matches. Their record reads five wins, seven draws and seven defeats, with 26 goals scored and 25 conceded.
Their latest league game ended in a 3-1 loss to Flamengo after Santos had taken the lead. They are 15th in the Brasileiro table.
Team news
Cuenca face a couple of fitness concerns. Andres Lopez and Ariel Mosquera missed the trip to Emelec with thigh strains.
Right-back Eddie Guevara left the last match after 58 minutes. He will undergo a late fitness test ahead of the game.
Santos arrive with multiple absentees under Cuca. Neymar is rested as part of a tailored speed and endurance programme.
Gabigol is unavailable. Vinicius Lira and Mayke are also sidelined. Midfielders Gabriel Menino and Tomás Rincón remain out.
Projected lineups
| Deportivo Cuenca | Santos |
|---|---|
| Ferrero; Arboleda, Postel, Boolsen, Morocho | Brazao; Igor Vinicius, Veríssimo, Luan Peres, Escobar |
| Vega, Garcia, Diaz | Oliva, Gustavo Henrique, Bontempo, Barreal |
| Gonzalez, Mancinelli, Leguizamon | Rony, Thaciano |
Prediction
This Deportivo Cuenca v Santos preview includes predictions, team news and projected lineups. Expect a cautious group opener.
Cuenca will lean on home advantage and altitude. Santos possess enough quality to grind out a narrow away win.
Final prediction: 0-1 to Santos.
Coverage and analysis provided by Filmogaz.com.
