Santos dominated their opponents, and were well worth a comfortable 2-0 victory that sets them up nicely for the return leg of the tie, that will be played in Colombia next week.Emerson Leao’s team piled heavy pressure on their opponents early on in the match, and they went ahead in the 18th minute when Lima met a ball at the back post and made no mistake from close range.After taking the lead the Brazilians looked very fast on the field, particularly when attacking, while the Colombians tried to test them with swift counterattacks that were well controlled by their disciplined defense.Cúcuta, who lost 2-1 against Santos in the group stage at the same venue, looked very isolated, as Matias Urbano was left on his own up front, and the Argentine couldn’t compete with the Santos defenders.In the second half Cúcuta almost drew level when a powerful Jose Amarilla free kick was well saved by Santos goalkeeper Fabio Costa, who was made to stretch. The vocal 20,000 crowd appreciated his efforts.But the match was decided in the 71st minute when Mauricio Molina slotted the ball in from close range after clever play from the Santos attack.Santos were reduced to ten men in the 74th minute, when Wesley was sent off, but the Brazilians held onto their comfortable advantage, and go into the second leg of the tie with their confidence to the roof.
The future of Colombia Reports is under threat. The country's largest independent news website needs your help. Please become our patron.