Santos (Brazil) vs Newell’s (Argentina)
Santos saw their chances getting massively reduced in the Copa Sudamericana following a surprising 2-1 away defeat at Audax Italiano. The team are now third-placed in group E, accumulating four points in as many matches, trailing their last opponents in second place by those three points. In fact, O Peixe are no longer contenders for the first spot of the group, they only look for a ticket to the playoffs. Odair Hellmann’s men drew 1-1 at home against Internacional last Saturday in the context of an irregular league campaign: the side won three, drew three and lost three so far. In fact, Santos are on six matches without a win in all competitions, drawing four and losing two in regular time. On a positive note, they remain unbeaten in the last 15 at home, with seven victories and eight stalemates.
On the other hand, Newell’s Old Boys remain perfect in the Copa Sudamericana. Last time out, the team secured a big 3-2 success away at Blooming in Bolivia, making it 12 points from 12 available in this competition. As a result, La Lepra will advance, but they still have to fight to win the group and leapfrog the playoff as Audax Italiano are five points behind with two rounds to go. Last Thursday, Gabriel Heinze’s men drew 0-0 away at Sarmiento, which dropped them out of the continental spots in the league table, accumulating 27 points in 19 games. Newell’s are on three matches unbeaten in all competitions, winning two and drawing one, but they won only one of the last five on the road, along with two stalemates and two defeats.
Newell’s has been probably one of the best teams of this competition with 4 wins in 4 games and they could secure the 1st place of the group with at least 1 point, which I think they should be able to get.