No Paulo Henrique Ganso? No problem! Santos FC now have a commanding lead in their Copa Libertadores quarterfinal tie with Once Caldas after pulling off a 1-0 win away in Colombia. Once Caldas now have to travel to Sao Paulo, where they will have to pull off the same miracle that they pulled off in the last round by winning in Brazil.
Once Caldas Vs. Santos FC, 2011 Copa Libertadores: Santos Win Even Without Paulo Henrique Ganso
Incredibly, it was Ganso’s replacement who scored the goal. Young Alan Patrick, starting in Ganso’s absence, scored the game’s only goal in the 42nd minute, assisted by Santos’ biggest superstar, Neymar. Ganso and Neymar have made a fearsome connection for the last two years in South America, but if tonight is any indication, Alan Patrick is almost as good as the man he replaced.
Of course, that aforementioned comeback against Cruzeiro means that Santos can ill afford to let their guard down in the return leg. They’re serious favorites at this point, but the tie is not over.
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