Santos defender Edu Dracena has stressed the importance of keeping a clean sheet in the first leg of their Copa Libertadores semi-final against Corinthians. O Peixe are looking to retain the title they won last year after beating Uruguayan side Penarol in the final, but they face a formidable obstacle in the form of the reigning Brazilian champions.

The first leg will take place at Santos's Vila Belmiro on Wednesday, and Dracena believes it is crucial his side gain an advantage to take to the return meeting - as well as keeping a clean sheet. "It will be very important to win and not concede any goals at home," he said.
Dracena knows the tie is highly unlikely to be settled after the first leg, though, telling Globoesporte.com: "We have 180 minutes to reach the final. This is not the match that will define the tie."
He added of the showdown between the two domestic rivals: "There is a lot of respect between two important squads with great players and great coaches."
Santos have been plagued by injuries in recent times and that has given Muricy Ramalho a major headache. He said: "This is a moment we know will pass. Unfortunately, we have too many injuries. It's been a long time since our treatment room has not had around ten players in it."
However, there could be good news on that front, with playmaker Paulo Henrique Ganso reportedly fit and expected to play less than three weeks after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his right knee.
Away goals crucial to Corinthians
Corinthians are not without their problems either, having picked up just one point from their opening four games at the start of the Brasileirao. They will look to put their domestic concerns aside, though, with a place in the Copa Libertadores final the prize on offer over the next week.
Midfielder Danilo said: "We are thinking about the Libertadores. The Brasileirao is long and we have only four games to claim the Libertadores title. It would have been better if we had had a better start in the league, but it will not affect us in the Libertadores."
He added of the two semi-finals against Santos: "Away goals will be crucial at this stage. If we score [on Wednesday], it will help a lot.
"When we don't have the ball, we'll try to stay on top our opponents. With the ball, we'll try to attack Santos and score. Getting a positive result at the Vila Belmiro will be crucial."
The other semi-final tie will see six-time Libertadores champions Boca Juniors take on Universidad de Chile, with the first leg being played on Thursday in Buenos Aires.