5 May 2026

With Neymar leading the way, Santos chase a crucial win against Recoleta

Round 4 of CONMEBOL Sudamericana Group D brings Recoleta and Santos to Estadio Defensores del Chaco in Asuncion. Lineups are not confirmed yet, though there is already plenty to unpack from their first three group matches. On Sofascore, this matchup has been one to watch for contrasting styles and a clear market favorite.

Group D spotlight in Asuncion

Recoleta come in with compact numbers and a sturdy rearguard. They’ve scored 2 and conceded 2 across three matches, with one clean sheet and a busy back line that has produced 81 clearances and 32 interceptions. Their average possession sits at 42.3%, paired with 75.5% pass accuracy and 6 shots on target from 21 attempts.

Santos offer a very different profile. They average 63.7% possession and 84.8% pass accuracy, racking up 46 shots and 11 on target. The Brazilian side have 5 big chances created but 4 missed, suggesting volume is there, but the finishing has room to sharpen.

Styles and numbers: possession vs direct play

Recoleta’s route to goal has leaned on set pieces and direct entries. They have attempted 85 long balls with 43.5% accuracy and 40 crosses at 22.5% accuracy, winning 56.7% of their aerial duels. Discipline is a watchpoint, with 44 fouls and 9 yellow cards so far.

Santos can dominate territory and tempo. They’ve completed 1,287 of 1,517 passes and are more accurate with long balls at 60% from 90 attempts. Crossing output is similar to Recoleta’s on accuracy, yet they add threat in transition with 4 fast breaks and 1 fast-break goal.

Recoleta’s standouts by Sofascore Rating

Goalkeepers top Recoleta’s charts on Sofascore Rating. Nelson Ferreira leads at 7.95 across two appearances, with Oscar Toledo at 7.9 from one outing, mirroring the team’s 12 saves and one clean sheet. Midfielder Jose Espinola is next at 7.35, backed by 86 accurate passes at 88.7% and 7 accurate long balls.

Up front, Richard Ortiz and Allan Wlk share the team’s scoring lead with 1 goal each. Ortiz has converted Recoleta’s only penalty and carries 1.0032 expected goals, while Wlk has 3 shots on target, 0.6544 xG and a team-high 3 key passes. Juan Franco adds creativity with 2 key passes and 62 accurate passes at 78.5%.

Ref watch and what the odds say

Chilean referee Cristian Garay is assigned, bringing a firm hand. Across 193 matches he has shown 844 yellow cards, 51 reds and 22 second-yellows, so game management and discipline could matter in Group D.

The market view points to Santos as favorites. Full-time odds have Santos at 1/2, the draw at 3/1 and Recoleta at 6/1. The Asian handicap sits at Santos -1 at 17/20 with Recoleta +1 at 1/1. Follow the live match, stats and every Sofascore Rating on Sofascore when the whistle goes in Asuncion.