Player Ratings: Santos 2-1 Penarol

Couldn't be blamed for Penarol's goal due to a cruel deflection. Otherwise, was rarely called into action but did the little he had to do with confidence.

Got forward relentlessly during the first half and his efforts were almost rewarded when the ball fell kindly for him in the box, only for his disappointing finish, albeit with his weaker right foot, to go narrowly wide. Very comfortable on the ball throughout and his pinpoint passing gave Santos' midfielders more time on the ball. Lasted 67 minutes on his return to action.

Good sliding interception to deny Olivera early on. The 30-year-old was dominant in the air throughout and was unlucky to deflect Estoyanoff's cross into his own goal.

Not as impressive as his centre-back partner, but a decent display. No doubt Santos looked more resolute with their captain back than they did during his suspension in Montevideo.

Gave the ball away needlessly during the first 45 minutes, but produced one crucial last-ditch tackle to deny Martinuccio a clean strike on goal in the second before cutting inside Dario Rodriguez and impressively burying the ball in the bottom corner of the Penarol net to make it 2-0.

Ran all night but his distribution was often poor. Did square the ball to Danilo en route to the latter's goal.

Worked tirelessly all evening and although slipped by Martinuccio early on, frustraated the Penarol danger man on several occasions thereafter.

Put himself about but made a couple of wayward passes in the first half. However, began the second by embarking on a superb charge through the heart of the Penarol team and releasing Neymar, who put Santos ahead. His alertness and pace almost earned Corujo a red card and set up a second for Santos, but Ze Eduardo failed to capitalise. His energy was infectious.

Failed to have his usual influence of the game on his return from injury, but did provide two superb first-half passes and a sumptuous flick that helped set up Neymar's opening goal. Missed a late sitter before his late withdrawal.

Came into the game off-form and under pressure, but impressed all night with his exceptional work-rate and clever movement. Won balls he had no right to win, though missed one gilt-edged opportunity with his head late on.

Could perhaps have done better when beaten at his near post by Neymar's goal, but made some good saves and had no chance with Danilo's strike.

Ze Eduardo got in behind him on a couple of occasions, while Danilo eased past him for Santos' second goal. His age showed against the young Brazilians.

Had no answer to the trickery and speed of Neymar. A night to forget for the 27-year-old.

Important sliding challenge on Neymar early on, but the 19-year-old did get the better of him on a few occasions thereafter. Never gave up, though, on a night when he was Penarol's best defender.

Valdez bailed him out twice in the first half and he conceded a free-kick in a dangerous position for a foul on Neymar, who was just too quick for him. Gonzalez was booked for that challenge and consequently substituted on 37 minutes.

Failed to win enough tackles or contribute to Penarol's counter-attacks, and was duly withdrawn on 62 minutes.

One excellent piece of play in the first half almost sent Martinuccio through on goal, but was a passenger thereafter as the Santos midfield took complete control. Lashed out in frustration at Ganso at half-time.

Easily Penarol's most lively attacking player. Always demanded the ball and did try to make things happen with his quick feet. Faded after the interval.

Made a good tackle of Ganso in first half, but was passed by Arouca for the goal and struggled to keep pace with Santos' fleet-footed midfielders.

Failed to impose himself on the game. Was a virtual bystander.