São Paulo lost 1-0 at home to Argentine side Racing, on Tuesday, and ended a 14-game unbeaten run, postponing their qualification to the second round of the Copa Libertadores.
With the Paulistão finals against Palmeiras in mind, Hernán Crespo decided to play with the reserve team, which turned out to be a not so good decision.
Racing broke the deadlocks two minutes before the half hour mark. With the lack of hunger from the home side, defender Novillo took advantage of the situation and headed in Lovera’s cross to open up the scoring. It was only the second goal conceded by Tricolor in Libertadores so far.
After the break, São Paulo continued to struggle, but with the introduction of Daniel Alves, Luciano and Shaylon in the places of Orejuela, Vitor Bueno and William, things began to change for the host, which saw them gain total control of the game and creating several chances to draw level and get the match winner.
However, with the increased hunger, drive and intensity, the outcome of the game didn’t change, even after Daniel Alves had a goal cancelled for impediment, the home side couldn’t get the ball into the back of the net.
The victory sees Racing move up to 11 points, as they continue to lead Group E, while São Paulo remain with eight points and in second place. Rentistas can only boast of three points so far and if they don’t beat Sporting Cristal next Wednesday, Sao Paulo might have sealed qualification ahead of the final round.
São Paulo now have two decisive games to focus on for the Paulista Championship against Palmeiras. The first leg will played, on Thursday, at the Allianz Parque. The second leg will be played at Morumbi on Sunday.
