Deportivo Cuenca Sells Out for Copa Sudamericana -- Santos (Without Neymar) First Up April 8

Cuenca Is All In

The numbers tell the story: more than 3,500 season tickets (abonos) sold in just five days for Deportivo Cuenca's Copa Sudamericana Group D home matches. That's a massive show of support from a city that lives and breathes football -- and a sign that this Copa Sudamericana run is being treated as a genuine event, not just another set of midweek matches.

For context, this is Deportivo Cuenca's return to international competition, and the draw has been kind enough to generate real excitement. Group D features Santos FC (Brazil), San Lorenzo (Argentina), and Recoleta Football Club (Paraguay) -- three teams with enough name recognition to pack the stands.

Santos Without Neymar

Let's address the elephant in the room: Neymar will NOT be traveling to Cuenca for the April 8 match.

Santos FC has confirmed that the Brazilian superstar, who returned to Santos earlier this year, has been left out of the squad for the Cuenca trip. The official reasons are altitude concerns and World Cup load management -- Santos doesn't want to risk their most valuable asset at 2,500 meters above sea level with the World Cup on the horizon.

Is it disappointing? Sure. Neymar in Cuenca would have been a historic moment for the city. But honestly, it's also understandable -- altitude is a real competitive factor, and Santos has a long group stage to manage.

The good news: Santos without Neymar is still Santos. They'll bring a full squad of quality Brazilian talent, and the atmosphere at the stadium will be electric regardless.

The Home Schedule

Mark these dates:

• Wednesday, April 8, 5:00 PM -- vs Santos FC (Brazil) -- the opener, approximately 15,000 fans expected
• Tuesday, May 5 -- vs San Lorenzo (Argentina)
• Tuesday, May 19 -- vs Recoleta Football Club (Paraguay)

All home matches are at the Estadio Alejandro Serrano Aguilar, Deportivo Cuenca's 20,000-seat home ground.

What This Means for Expats

Whether you're a football fan or not, here's why this matters:

• The city will be buzzing on match days. The area around the stadium and the surrounding streets get crowded and loud. If you live near the stadium, plan accordingly
• Traffic will be significantly impacted before and after matches, especially the April 8 opener. The stadium is relatively central, and 15,000 people converging creates real congestion
• This is a fantastic cultural experience even if you don't know a thing about football. A Copa Sudamericana night game in Cuenca, with the stands full of red-and-black-clad hinchada (fans) chanting and setting off flares, is something you should experience at least once
• Tickets may still be available for individual matches if you didn't get a season ticket. Check Deportivo Cuenca's official social media for individual match sales
• Altitude is Deportivo's secret weapon. At 2,500 meters, visiting teams from sea-level cities (like Santos from coastal Brazil) struggle physically. Cuenca's home advantage is real and significant
• Arrive early to the stadium. Security checks and entry can be slow, and you want to be in your seat for the atmosphere before kickoff
• Bring layers. Evening matches in April mean temperatures around 10-12C by the final whistle

This is a big deal for Cuenca. International football brings the city together in a way few other events can. Even if Neymar isn't coming, the Copa Sudamericana is here -- and the city is ready.

Sources: El Mercurio, Expreso