São Paulo and Athletico settled for a draw on Sunday at the Arena da Baixada. Renato Kayzer opened up the scoring late in the first half for the home side. Tche Tche equalized for the league leaders on the hour mark in the second.
Fernando Diniz’s team still sit at the top of the table, but are on the verge of losing their position after going three games without a win.
São Paulo had more possession of the ball in the first half but were only able to register two shots on goal in the entire 45 minutes.
Athletico had better chances than Tricolor in the first half and it was no surprise they drew first blood. They broke the deadlock in the 39th minute when Renato Kayzer got to the end of Carlos‘ cross after a fast break.
However, after the break, Santos replaced Bruno Alves with Vitor Bueno and the decision proved to be an inspired one with São Paulo seeing more of the ball afterwards. After pressing for a while, they eventually got their equalizer in the 61st minute through Tche Tche who scored a goal from outside the 18-yard box.
Athletico made changes to their side in other to change the outcome of the game but it seemed a fair result as the match ended in a stalemate.
The home side sits at 11th place after the draw. For São Paulo, they have lost further ground at the top of the table and sit just 1 point ahead of Internacional after game week 30.
In a potential title decider and battle for the top spot, São Paulo will return to the pitch on Wednesday to face Internacional. Elsewhere, Athletico visits Bahia for their next outing that same day.
