Makara held Santos to a 0:0 draw in their Sudamericana Cup Round of 16 tie on 20 August 2026. Both sides entered the encounter with contrasting records in their group campaigns. Makara sat in first place with ten points from six games, while Santos occupied second with seven points.
The match began cautiously, with Makara controlling 56 per cent of possession. Santos created the only clear-cut opportunity of the first half, registering one big chance created, but could not convert. Makara dominated territory with ten corners to Santos's single effort, though both sides struggled to break through.
Substitutions began around the hour mark. Santos brought on Joao Ananias and D. Fernandes at half-time, while Makara introduced M. Viera shortly after the break. The game tightened as yellow cards accumulated: D. Bolanos for Makara and Rony for Santos, who also saw Gustavo Henrique booked early.
Statistics told a story of missed chances. Makara fired ten shots with only three on target, generating 0.52 expected goals. Santos registered four shots, none on target, yet produced a higher expected goals figure of 0.73. The visitors completed fewer passes but won more aerial duels, 22 to 11.
Both managers made late changes. Makara brought on Thaciano and J. Estacio in the 74th minute, while Santos introduced C. Oliva and A. I. Campana in the 83rd and 85th minutes respectively. G. Caballero came on for Santos just after the 90th-minute mark.
The result leaves Makara top of their section with an unblemished record, while Santos remain second but now trail by three points. The draw extends Makara's recent run of draws to four matches in six games, and halts Santos's momentum after their 3:0 victory over Vasco da Gama on 16 August.
