São Paulo opened an advantage over América-MG in the quarter-finals of the Copa do Brasil. This Thursday (28), Tricolor won the first game of the confrontation by 1 to 0 in Morumbi, in São Paulo.
The return match will be on the 18th of August, again a Thursday, at 21:00 (Brasília time), at Independência, in Belo Horizonte. The São Paulo team has the advantage of the tie. The Pitmen need to win by two or more goals difference in normal time. If the aggregate score ends up equal, the decision of the spot will be on penalties.
Despite their greater offensive presence, São Paulo took a long time to reach América’s goal with danger. When he did, he rocked the net. In the 34th minute, side Igor Vinícius crossed from the right and forward Luciano headed in to open the scoring. Coelho only scared at 45, in a header by defender Iago Maidana, on the second post, which went over the goal.
In the final stage, Tricolor continued to struggle to overcome América’s defense. In the 20th minute, Thiago Couto took down striker Henrique Almeida in the area. Iago Maidana had the chance to equalize, but hit the penalty weakly, defended by goalkeeper São Paulo, substitute for the injured Jandrei. São Paulo improved after the opportunity wasted by the Minas Gerais team and almost extended it in the 41st, in conclusion of midfielder Giuliano Galoppo, debutant of the night, who was close to Coelho’s goal.
The two teams return to the field on Sunday (31), for the 20th round of the Brazilian Championship. São Paulo faces Athletico-PR at 4 pm, at Arena da Baixada, in Curitiba. Then, at 18:00, América faces Avaí at Independência.
