Hernán Crespo’s São Paulo team is the first semi-finalist of the 2026 edition of São Paulo.
On Saturday night (21st), the Tricolor team challenged Cicero de Sousa Marquez away and defeated the previously unbeaten Red Bull Bragantino team 2-1.
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Bobadilla and Lucas Moura scored for the tricolor. Rafael was also the protagonist, making two wonderful saves.
SPFC are now waiting to find out their opponents for the next round.
Great opportunity, SPFC ahead
Red Bull Bragantino started well and was able to move the ball better.
They had a great opportunity in the 33rd minute. Gustavinho received Pita’s pass but saw Rafael and then the post saved the day.
SPFC, on the other hand, bet on attacking from the flanks, trying to surprise well-organized opponents without the ball.
Lucas Ramon then played an important role with Bobadilla’s goal (39′), cementing his fine start to the club.
The set game pays off
Just seven minutes into the second half, Sao Paulo further complicated matters for the home team.
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Daniel Zinho’s free kick was converted by Luciano and Lucas Moura added his third goal of the season from a superb set piece.
Massa Brutta Attack
With no other choice, Massa Bruta starts to advance forward, Sasha is already on the field.
They started to take control of the situation but still had to get past Raphael.
It finally happened after Nacho Sosa’s corner kick and Gustavo Marquez’s header (27′).
The same situation occurred in the last period of the game: Red Bull Bragantino pressed the Sao Paulo team and was unable to “kill” the game.
The drama intensified for the Tricolors after Alain Franco was sent off in the 47th minute.
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Tensions increased after a collision between Bobadilla and Juninho Capizaba, with Massa Brutta demanding a penalty in the 10th minute of stoppage time.
The home team complained loudly.
But nothing is given.
Sao Paulo reaches the semifinals.
🤔 What to do now?
The semi-final tie-ups – also single-leg matches – can only be decided after all qualifiers are confirmed.
The team with the best overall record will play the team with the fourth-best record.
The team with the second best record will challenge the team with the third best record.
Both teams now turn their attention to the fourth round of the Brazilian Championship.
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Massa Bruta (seventh place) will host Athletico (sixth place).
Meanwhile, SPFC (2nd) will visit Coritiba (10th).
Both games will be held next Wednesday (25th).
Photo: Rubens Chiri / Sao Paulo Football Club
This article was translated into English by artificial intelligence. You can read the original version at 🇧🇷.
