Against all odds, reserve Santos team defeated São Paulo 1-0 on Sunday afternoon. With one eye set on the Libertadores semi-final against Boca Juniors, Cuca’s highly rotated his side and edged past São Paulo, which comes as a shocking defeat for the host in the title hunt.
São Paulo had 69% of ball possession, controlled majority of the game and took 26 shots on goal without finding the back of the net. Despite all those shots taken, Peixe still created the better chances.
The match was filled with lots of brawling between both teams. The first half was dull as it ended in a draw and a disappointing performance.
After the break, the games fortune changed as the visitors got on the mark. Jobson with a remarkable effort got pass two of his markers and finished nicely to put his side ahead.
The home side failed to respond; they kept more of the ball but didn’t capitalize on their advantages. Santos relied more on counter attacks and were the better side even after having less possession of the ball.
Brenner, São Paulo’s top scorer had two opportunities to draw level in the second half. A header at close range, and a weak shot that was easily saved by the goal keeper.
In the final stretch of the game, the home side almost got on the mark, but João Paulo was on point to put the ball away from goal, he also prevented another Brenner’s header to secure the 3 points.
With the shocking defeat, São Paulo has now gone two consecutive games without a win but still sit three points at the top of the table. They will return to the field on Sunday to face Athletico-PR in a bid to get back to winning ways.
On the other hand, Santos will face Boca Juniors for the second leg of the Libertadores semi-finals on Wednesday.
