Sao Paulo has a difficult mission to advance to the Copa Libertadores semifinals: reverse an adverse score 2-0 against LDU of Ecuador. Coach Hernán Crespo knows what the team needs to seek the result.
According to the coach, the secret is – despite the defeat. With a difference: convert the chances created.
Against seven from the LDU, four of which are kicks right against five of the opponent, according to statistics from the “Sofascore” platform. Rafael made four defenses, and Gonzalo Valle took three submissions.
Therefore, Tricolor was lacked efficiency to get a better result. The team had 0.79 of XG (number of goals that a team should have scored on average based on the number and quality of submissions performed) against 0.69 from Ecuadorians.
Crespo intends to work for São Paulo to evolve in submissions and seek the result in Morumbis. He also believes in the strength of the team playing at home, where Tricolor did not lose under the comic of the coach in 2025.
“We had occasions and we didn’t finish correctly. I think the way the team is playing at home, with the strength of the fan … We have to make the same game, but realize, it is easier. They enjoyed it very well,” he said.
“It is clear that we do not deserve this result, I think it was unfair. But what I think does not matter, we have to accept. The tranquility we created occasions, chances of goal. We do not convert, we believe. We believe.
Striker Luciano, for example, had at least two clear chances to score but wasted. He regretted the lack of efficiency.
“I can’t miss a goal like that. In this kind of goal, in a final phase, complicated game, any goal would help us, make it easier for the return game. Unfortunately today it didn’t happen, now is to work to, if God willing, on Thursday comes the goals, and we qualify,” said shirt 10.
São Paulo x LDU
The second match between São Paulo and LDU will take place at Morumbis, next Thursday (25), at 19h (Brasilia). Those who move forward will face Palmeiras or River Plate from Argentina in the semifinals. Verdon won the first game in Buenos Aires (ARG).
This Sunday (21), Tricolor will have classic against Santos, in Vila Belmiro, at 20:30, for the 24th round of Serie A of the Brazilian Championship.
