Sao Paulo Advance, Still in Debt to Their Fans.

By: Mauro | May 8th, 2008

Without playing very well again, Sao Paulo was able to defend their home round with what on a scoresheet would have been a respectable win but in all actuality it was a close one. After drawing 0-0 in the first leg, it seemed Nacional had a slight upper hand but in all honesty, a single goal in either squads favor could have given them the qualification.

The match began with both teams uninterested in striking forward while knowing that the slightest mistake could result in the goal that eliminates them. But within the first 15 minutes, Sao Paulo began to slowly take control of the match through Adriano’s awakening form that was slowly carrying his team.

Adriano had two chances to score, one of which was disallowed due to an offsides call, before finally hitting paydirt and getting the ball past Nacional keeper Washington Viera. A cross from Éder Luis who took advantage of a mistake in the Uruguayans defense to send the ball into Adriano for the finishing touch was the first nail in the coffin for Nacional.

The second half began with what seemed like an immediate red card for Pablo Caballero, who took down Richarlyson an earned his second yellow of the match. WIth the man advantage, Sao Paulo was able to take control of the match and Nacional seemed to be relegated to playing counterattacking style which on many an occasion left them dangerously weak at the back when their attacks were squashed by the Sao Paulo defense or Rogerio Ceni.

They exchanged a few opportunities to score throughout the second half gving their keepers the spotlight. But shortly before the end of the match and injury time, Dagoberto who scored a fantastic goal after a great run with the ball at his feet. It was 2-0 to Sao Paulo and Fluminense waiting for them in the next round.

I had this match going 1-0 to Sao Paulo and I was right in guessing that Adriano was going to score and for a long while there it seemed that his 1-0 was going to carry Sao Paulo into the next round all by it’s lonesome.

Sao Paulo will be happy to not have to travel out of their country to play their next opponent.

Be sure to check the CONMEBOL website for results, stats and upcoming matches.