São Paulo left the qualification for the quarterfinals of the Copa Sudamericana well on its way to defeating Universidad Católica (Chile) 4-2, this Thursday (30) at the San Carlos de Apoquindo stadium, in Santiago, in the game first leg of the round of 16 of the continental competition.
?⚪️⚫️ Game over! O @Sao Paulo FC hit the @ Crusaders 4-2 in Chile and took the lead in the round of 16 of CONMEBOL #South American. pic.twitter.com/tUZ7mkAImT
— CONMEBOL Sudamericana (@SudamericanaBR) July 1, 2022
With this result, Tricolor is in a good situation for the return match, next Thursday (7th) at the Morumbi stadium.
The highlight of the match was, without a doubt, striker Luciano, who scored twice to help Rogério Ceni’s team and end an uncomfortable goal fast that had lasted almost two months.
However, who opened the scoring in favor of Tricolor was the side Reinaldo, in penalty kick in the 14th minute of the first half. At 23, the side Isla (who has just left Flamengo) failed and the Argentine Calleri took the opportunity to play for Luciano to expand.
After the long fast, shirt 11 wanted more and managed to get rid of two markers with a dribble and kick with violence at 38 minutes.
?⚪️⚫️ Yeah @Sao Paulo FC! #South American #GreatConquest pic.twitter.com/NYhY5LYnbA
— CONMEBOL Sudamericana (@SudamericanaBR) July 1, 2022
Perhaps because of the good advantage built in the initial stage, Tricolor relaxed at the beginning of the second half and allowed the Chileans to take it out in the first minute with Zampedri. Three minutes later Igor Vinícius was sent off after receiving the second yellow card and the impression was that the Brazilians could get into trouble once and for all.
But top scorer Calleri got into action and scored São Paulo’s fourth after a beautiful plot between Patrick and Igor Gomes. The problem was that the Morumbi team was left without another player, after the referee expelled Rodrigo Nestor (with the help of the video referee), who stepped on an opponent’s leg.
With the numerical advantage, Católica reached the second, now with Valencia. The Chileans’ pressure increased even more, especially after Calleri’s third expulsion, but Rogério Ceni’s team showed strength to hold on to victory until the final whistle.
Dragon’s Defeat
Also on Thursday, Atlético-GO went to Defensores Del Chaco stadium, in Asunción, and was defeated 2-0 by Olimpia (Paraguay).
? Paraguayan advantage!
?? At Defensores del Chaco, the @elClubOlimpia won the @ACGOficial 2-0 in CONMEBOL Round of 16 first leg #South American.
? The return will be on the 7/7th, in Goiânia! pic.twitter.com/0nUgUiPnVa
— CONMEBOL Sudamericana (@SudamericanaBR) July 1, 2022
Now Dragão and the Paraguayans decide who goes to the quarterfinals next Thursday at the Serra Dourada stadium.