Attention from Hernán Crespo’s team returns to Paulistão, where they will host Santos, on Saturday (31), in search of recovery in the table
If coach Hernán Crespo said that São Paulo is playing in the Brazilian Championship for 45 points, there are already 42 to go. The team made a presentation to win back the fans and beat Flamengo 2-1, coming from behind, at Morumbi in the tournament’s debut this Wednesday (28)
The tricolor team did not display flashy football. On the contrary, the Flamengo fans got into their pre-season rhythm, and that was enough to match and surpass São Paulo, with a goal from Plata. The São Paulo people, however, reacted with bravery and willingness. The draw came with Luciano, and the turnaround, with Danielzinho.
São Paulo’s attention returns to Paulistão, where they host Santos, on Saturday, in search of recovery in the table. Flamengo faces Corinthians in the Supercopa Rei, at Mané Garrincha, in Brasília.
Crespo resumed formation with three defenders and waited for the opponent in his defensive field. The Rio team dominated the actions and made it difficult for the São Paulo team to leave.
Flamengo still managed to find spaces between São Paulo’s defenders. Pedro left the area and opened space for Carrascal to have the first chance, by infiltrating the space and receiving a pass from Everton Cebolinha. The Colombian failed to open the scoring when he hit the ball wide.
São Paulo didn’t have the same volume, but managed to attack. Luciano received a shot from Maik and was in danger, with a shot that missed Rossi’s post. The play was an exception in plays with passing errors by the home team.
The second stage maintained Flamengo’s dominant pace. The current champion of the Brasileirão opened the scoring in a move that put São Paulo on the spot. After crossing, Pedro pulled over, with his chest, for Plata to make a subtle touch and take it from Rafael.
São Paulo’s reaction was to launch an attack, although without much organization. But it worked, when Enzo Díaz received a throw on the left and crossed for Luciano, among the Flamengo defenders, to head home the equalizer.
With the score equal, São Paulo grew more in the match. The team continued to press. This time, Luciano made the cross, Pulgar missed and the ball was left for Danielzinho to score his first goal with the tricolor shirt.
Flamengo tried to react, taking advantage of the arrivals of Arrascaeta, Bruno Henrique and Jorginho. São Paulo held its own in defense and still risked attacking. Crespo made no changes until 35 minutes into the second half. The São Paulo team reported cramps on the field.
In the sixth minute of added time, Flamengo tried to equalize. Arrascaeta headed hard into the corner, but Rafael saved São Paulo. The Flamengo fans asked for a penalty from Alan Franco, in a dispute with the Uruguayan, but there was no infraction.
Rafinha’s arrival as sports manager seems to have had an effect. Even with less quality than their opponent, São Paulo did not stop fighting in the match and was rewarded with victory.
*Estadão Content
