In a thrilling encounter at Morumbi Stadium on April 29, 2025, São Paulo FC staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Náutico 2-1 in the first leg of the third phase of the Copa do Brasil. The match showcased the resilience of the Tricolor, who turned the tide after falling behind early in the game.
The evening began with a sense of anticipation as fans filled the stadium, with temperatures hovering around 17 degrees Celsius. The match kicked off at 21:30 (Brasília time) with São Paulo immediately asserting their dominance. However, it was Náutico who struck first. In a stunning display, Caio Vitor opened the scoring for the visitors with a spectacular shot from outside the box that found the top corner, leaving São Paulo's goalkeeper Rafael with no chance.
Despite the setback, São Paulo responded swiftly. Just moments later, the home team leveled the score when Luciano, who has been in fine form, finished expertly after receiving a well-placed pass from Lucas Ferreira. This goal not only brought the crowd back to life but also set the stage for a competitive match.
The first half ended with the score tied at 1-1, but the action was far from over. As both teams returned for the second half, São Paulo looked revitalized. The Tricolor continued to press forward, and their efforts paid off early in the second half. Luciano, again the hero, scored his second goal of the night with a deft touch that turned the game in São Paulo's favor, making it 2-1.
With this lead, São Paulo gained confidence and began to control the game. They had a series of corner kicks and opportunities, but Náutico's defense held firm for a time. However, the visitors also posed a threat, with several counterattacks that kept the São Paulo defense on high alert.
Throughout the match, both teams displayed moments of brilliance, but it was São Paulo's ability to capitalize on key opportunities that ultimately made the difference. The referee added four minutes of stoppage time, and during this period, both teams had chances to further alter the scoreline, but neither could find the back of the net again.
As the final whistle blew, São Paulo celebrated a hard-fought victory, giving them a crucial advantage heading into the second leg of the tie, which is set to take place on May 22, 2025, at Estádio do Aflitos in Recife. With this win, São Paulo now has the luxury of advancing with a draw in the return match.
Post-match, Luciano expressed his satisfaction with the team's performance, stating, "We showed great character to come back after going down. This win is important for our confidence as we move forward in the tournament." The victory also marks an important step for São Paulo, who are looking to reclaim glory in the Copa do Brasil after winning the title in 2023.
For Náutico, the loss is a tough pill to swallow, especially after a strong start. Coach Hélio dos Anjos will need to rally his team ahead of the second leg, as they seek to overturn the deficit and secure a place in the next round of the competition.
As the Copa do Brasil heats up, both teams will be looking to fine-tune their strategies ahead of their next encounters. Fans will be eagerly awaiting the rematch, where anything can happen in the knockout stages of this prestigious tournament. With both teams having something to prove, the upcoming clash promises to be an exciting continuation of this rivalry.
