Santos debuted with a loss in the Copa Sul-Americana, falling 1-0 to Deportivo Cuenca in Ecuador on Wednesday (April 8). Mancinelli's Olympic goal in the 14th minute of the second half decided the match. Despite Brazilian dominance, the team squandered several chances.
Santos traveled to Ecuador to face Deportivo Cuenca in its Sul-Americana debut and returned with a 1-0 defeat. At the 4th minute, Oliva scared with a long-range shot, forcing a save from the Ecuadorian goalkeeper. Moisés also tried from distance without direction, while Bontempo wasted two chances at the 10th and 15th minutes, and Rony was stopped by Ferrera after a header at the 19th.
The home side responded at the 8th minute, with Mancinelli beating in speed and forcing Gabriel Brazão to save. At the 31st, Vega nearly reached a cross from Chacón. In the second half, Bontempo hit the crossbar at the 4th minute, but at the 14th Mancinelli scored an Olympic goal, surprising Brazão.
Santos pushed for the equalizer. Bontempo failed to reach an open-goal ball, Thaciano headed poorly after a cross from Barreal, and the Argentine took a strong shot after a pass from Rolheiser, narrowly missing. Cuca's team now focuses on recovery against Deportivo Recoleta at Vila Belmiro on Tuesday (April 14), and Atlético-MG in the Brasileirão on Saturday.
