The Copa do Brasil 2025 kicks off for São Paulo this Tuesday, April 29, 2025, as they host Náutico at Morumbi Stadium in São Paulo at 21:30 (Brasília time) for the third phase of the tournament. This prestigious cup is highly sought after by clubs due to its lucrative prize money. São Paulo, having won the title for the first time in 2023, aims to make a strong start after being eliminated in the quarter-finals last season by Atlético-MG.
Currently, São Paulo is on a roll, remaining undefeated in the Campeonato Brasileiro with one victory and five draws, which places them at the top of their group in the CONMEBOL Libertadores. In contrast, Náutico has had to navigate through two previous rounds of the Copa do Brasil to reach this stage, eliminating Santa Cruz-RN with a decisive 4-0 win and then defeating Vitória 2-0 at Barradão. However, their performance in the Série C has been less than stellar, with only one point from three rounds.
After tonight's match, the two teams are set to meet again on May 20, 2025, at Estádio dos Aflitos in Recife, promising an exciting continuation of their rivalry.
Fans eager to catch the action can tune in to SporTV for live coverage or opt for the pay-per-view service Premiere. Predictions for the match are leaning heavily in favor of São Paulo, with analysts making bold forecasts: Gustavo Zupak predicts a 3-0 victory for São Paulo, while both Leonardo Bertozzi and Ubiratan Leal also foresee a comfortable 2-0 and 3-0 win, respectively.
As for the lineups, São Paulo's coach, Luis Zubeldía, faces some challenges with injuries. Key players such as Arboleda, Pablo Maia, Luiz Gustavo, Lucas, Oscar, and Calleri will miss the match. However, Matheus Alves returns from suspension, and the team is expected to field: Rafael; Cédric Soares, Ruan, Alan Franco, and Enzo Díaz; Alisson, Marcos Antônio, and Matheus Alves; Lucas Ferreira, André Silva, and Ferreira.
Náutico, managed by Hélio dos Anjos, is also dealing with injury concerns. João Maistro and Igor Pereira are doubtful after leaving the field injured in their recent match against CSA, where they suffered a 2-1 defeat. The team is likely to start with: Muriel; Marcos Ytalo, Rayan, Carlinhos, and Luiz Paulo; Marco Antônio, Auremir, and Patrick Allan; Vinicius, Kelvin, and Paulo Sérgio.
The match will be officiated by referee Savio Pereira Sampaio, with Leila Naiara Moreira da Cruz and Daniel Henrique da Silva Andrade as assistants. Elmo Alves Resende Cunha will serve as the VAR official, ensuring the match runs smoothly.
As the excitement builds for this Copa do Brasil clash, both teams are keen to make their mark. São Paulo, with its rich history and recent triumphs, looks to assert dominance on home soil, while Náutico aims to pull off an upset and gain momentum in a challenging season. With all eyes on Morumbi, fans can expect a thrilling encounter as these two clubs vie for a place in the next round of the tournament.
