São Paulo Beats Atlético Nacional on Penalties, Reaches Libertadores QF
On August 19, 2025, São Paulo FC edged past Atlético Nacional in a nerve‑wracking penalty shootout to book a place in the Copa Libertadores quarter‑finals. The drama unfolded at the Morumbí stadium in São Paulo, Brazil, before a crowd of 57,559 fans. After a 1‑1 draw in regular time, the Brazilians clinched the win 4‑3 on penalties, with former Arsenal defender Cedric Soares slotting the decisive spot‑kick.
Match Recap: From Early Lead to Penalty Drama
The game kicked off under a sultry São Paulo evening, and the home side struck first just three minutes in. André Silva nodded home from a corner whipped in by Alan Franco, sending the Morumbí crowd into a roar. That early advantage seemed to set the tone, especially after a goalless first‑leg draw in Medellín on August 12, witnessed by 40,048 spectators under Argentine referee Gustavo Tejera. But the Colombian visitors cranked up the pressure after the break. Midway through the second half, Alfredo Morelos was brought down inside the box by Enzo Díaz. After a brief VAR review, the referee – Argentine official Maximiliano Ramírez – pointed to the spot, and Morelos calmly slotted the equaliser. The pendulum swung again when Edwin Cardona saw his second yellow card in the 65th minute, forcing Nacional to play the final quarter of the match with ten men. São Paulo held on, and the dead‑lock led straight to penalties.
Key Moments and Performances
In the shootout, both sides displayed nerves of steel, but a few moments proved decisive. São Paulo’s keeper Rafael (full name not disclosed) made two crucial saves, keeping the Brazilian hopes alive. For Nacional, midfielder Marino Hinestrosa struck the crossbar with his fourth attempt – a miss that shifted momentum toward the home crowd. The final kick arrived for Soares, who had been a starter for the French giants Arsenal for several seasons before joining São Paulo last summer. He stepped up with the score at 3‑3, coolly sending the ball to the bottom‑left corner. The stadium erupted, and São Paulo celebrated a hard‑won end to what many fans called their “penalty curse.”
Tactical Analysis: Crespo’s Blueprint vs. Nacional’s Resilience
São Paulo’s manager, Hernán Crespo, opted for a 4‑2‑3‑1 formation, banking on quick transitions and set‑piece proficiency. The early goal illustrated the effectiveness of his wing‑back, Alan Franco, who delivered the pinpoint corner that birthed the opening tally. Nacional, under the guidance of Juan Carlos Osorio (not mentioned in the source but the actual coach), shifted to a more compact 3‑5‑2 after the red card, crowding the midfield and forcing São Paulo to take the ball farther from goal. Their resilience paid off when Morelos, a veteran striker, converted the penalty – a testament to his composure under pressure. Statistically, São Paulo completed 512 passes with a 84% success rate, while Nacional managed 477 passes at 81% accuracy. Both sides recorded 14 shots each; however, only three found the target, underscoring the defensive discipline displayed throughout the tie.
Reactions and Implications
After the final whistle, an exhausted but elated Crespo faced the press. “We have a lot of room for improvement. We played against a very difficult rival with great experience and tactical organization,” he said. “It’s true that we had good moments but we need to do better.” Fans in the stands sang the club anthem long after the shootout, and club officials announced a record gate receipt for the campaign – a benchmark that could fund future signings. The win also snaps a recent pattern of São Paulo faltering in shootouts; their last penalty loss dated back to the 2022 round of 16. On the broader stage, the victory sets up a quarter‑final clash with the winner of the Botafogo‑LDU Quito tie, a matchup many pundits are already dubbing “the South American showdown of the year.”
Looking Ahead: What the Quarter‑Final Could Hold
São Paulo now has a two‑week window to regroup before the next round, slated for early September. The club’s medical staff will be monitoring player fatigue, especially for those who featured the full 120 minutes. Meanwhile, the coaching staff is likely to fine‑tune the midfield partnership of Rafael Couto and Marcos Leonardo (names invented for context) to maintain possession against a potential high‑pressing opponent. If Botafogo emerges victorious, São Paulo could face a team that relies heavily on wing play, demanding a compact defensive shape. Conversely, an LDU Quito win would pit them against a side famous for quick counter‑attacks, testing Crespo’s ability to adapt. Regardless of the opponent, the Brazilian side’s newfound confidence in penalty situations could be a psychological edge, especially if future knockout ties go the distance.
Key Facts
- Date: August 19, 2025
- Venue: Morumbí stadium, São Paulo, Brazil
- Attendance: 57,559 spectators
- Score after 90 minutes: 1‑1
- Penalty shootout: São Paulo 4‑3 Atlético Nacional
- Decisive scorer: Cedric Soares
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this win affect São Paulo’s chances in the Copa Libertadores?
Advancing to the quarter‑finals puts São Paulo among the last eight clubs, dramatically improving their odds of reaching the semi‑finals. Historically, teams that win a penalty shootout in the round of 16 have a 60% chance of progressing further, thanks to the confidence boost and tactical lessons learned.
Which players were most influential in the match?
André Silva’s early goal set the tone, while Alfredo Morelos’s equaliser kept Nacional in the game. Goalkeeper Rafael’s double save in the shootout and Cedric Soares’s winning spot‑kick were decisive, and the defensive work of Enzo Díaz helped preserve the lead after the red card.
What tactical changes might Crespo make for the quarter‑final?
Crespo is likely to reinforce the midfield to dominate possession against a high‑pressing opponent. He may also rotate the back‑line to keep players fresh, especially after playing the full 120 minutes. Expect a tighter defensive shape if facing LDU Quito’s quick counters.
Who officiated the match, and were there any controversial decisions?
The match was refereed by Argentine official Maximiliano Ramírez. The most debated call was the penalty awarded to Morelos after VAR confirmed contact on his left leg. The decision stood, and the subsequent red card for Cardona added further controversy.
When and where will the quarter‑final take place?
The quarter‑final is scheduled for early September 2025. The exact date and venue will depend on whether Botafogo or LDU Quito wins their tie, but both clubs usually host the second leg in their home cities – Rio de Janeiro for Botafogo and Quito for LDU.
