São Paulo FC kicked off their 2025 Copa Libertadores campaign with a hard-fought victory over Talleres, triumphing 1-0 at the Estádio Mario Alberto Kempes in Córdoba, Argentina, on Wednesday night. The match marked an important milestone for the Tricolor, as it was their first win in a Libertadores debut since 2021.
The game was tightly contested, with both teams struggling to create clear-cut chances in the first half. São Paulo had a goal disallowed when Calleri found the net in the 36th minute, only for the referee to rule it out after a VAR check confirmed Oscar was offside in the build-up. Despite this setback, the Brazilian side remained resilient.
As the second half unfolded, the intensity of the match increased, and São Paulo finally broke the deadlock in the 30th minute. Cédric delivered a well-placed cross into the area, which was poorly cleared by the Talleres defense. Alisson seized the opportunity, striking a precise shot from outside the box that found the bottom corner, leaving goalkeeper Guido Herrera with no chance.
With this goal, Alisson not only secured the win for São Paulo but also exorcised the ghosts of past failures in Córdoba, where the team had suffered painful defeats in previous encounters with Talleres. The victory places São Paulo at the top of Group D, alongside Libertad of Paraguay, who also won their opening match.
Throughout the match, São Paulo's head coach Luis Zubeldía expressed the importance of the result, especially given the team's recent struggles. Despite the win, he acknowledged that the team still faces challenges, particularly in terms of offensive creativity. The return of Oscar, who showcased flashes of brilliance, did not completely solve the issues that have plagued the Tricolor's attack in recent games.
In the first half, the only significant threat came from a header by Arboleda, which was saved by Herrera. The Argentine side attempted to respond, but their efforts were thwarted by a solid São Paulo defense. As the match progressed, Talleres pressed for an equalizer, but São Paulo held firm to secure the three points.
Looking ahead, São Paulo will face Atlético-MG in the Brasileirão on Sunday, April 6, before returning to Libertadores action against Alianza Lima at Morumbi on April 10. This upcoming schedule will be crucial for the team as they aim to build on their successful start in the continental tournament.
In summary, São Paulo's victory not only boosts their confidence but also sets a positive tone for the rest of the group stage. With Alisson's decisive goal and a solid defensive performance, the Tricolor fans can look forward to what lies ahead in the 2025 season.
