São Paulo FC has experienced a remarkable resurgence under the leadership of Hernán Crespo, achieving four consecutive victories, including a 2-1 win over Athletico Paranaense in the Copa do Brasil. This impressive run has propelled the team to eighth place in the Brasileirão standings.
Crespo’s return to São Paulo in late June 2025 marked a turning point for the club. After a challenging start, including a 2-0 defeat to Flamengo, the team found its rhythm with a 2-2 draw against Bragantino, followed by victories over Corinthians (2-0), Juventude (1-0), and Fluminense (3-1). These performances have revitalized the squad and boosted fan morale.
In the Copa do Brasil, São Paulo faced Athletico Paranaense in the first leg of the Round of 16. The match was initially uneventful, but Pablo Maia’s long-range goal in the 31st minute broke the deadlock. Ferreirinha added a second goal in the 77th minute, and despite a late goal from Athletico’s Kevin Viveros, the Tricolor secured a 2-1 victory. Crespo expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance but noted that they deserved a larger margin of victory. He emphasized the importance of maintaining focus for the upcoming second leg in Curitiba.
Crespo’s impact has been evident in the team’s style of play. Under his guidance, São Paulo has adopted a more aggressive and dynamic approach, leading to increased scoring opportunities and improved defensive solidity. This transformation has been instrumental in the team’s recent successes.
The upcoming fixtures present both challenges and opportunities for São Paulo. The team is set to face Internacional away in the Brasileirão, followed by the crucial second leg against Athletico Paranaense in the Copa do Brasil. Crespo’s leadership and tactical acumen will be pivotal as São Paulo aims to continue its upward trajectory in both competitions.
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