São Paulo wins on penalties, reaches Libertadores quarterfinals

São Paulo wins on penalties, reaches Libertadores quarterfinals

When São Paulo Football Club edged out Atlético Nacional in a nerve‑wracking penalty shootout on August 20, 2025, the city of São Paulo erupted in celebration. The drama unfolded at Estádio Cícero Pompeu de Toledo, where the Brazilian side secured a 4‑3 shootout victory after the two‑leg tie finished 1‑1 on aggregate. The win not only kept São Paulo alive in the Copa Libertadores but also set up a quarter‑final clash that could define their continental ambitions.

Road to the Round of 16

Both clubs entered the 2025 CONMEBOL Libertadores as heavyweights in their respective leagues. São Paulo, a 12‑time champion, finished second in Brazil’s Série A, while Atlético Nacional, the Colombian giant, captured the 2024 Liga BetPlay title. Their paths converged in the knockout stage, with each side boasting a mix of seasoned internationals and home‑grown talent.

  • First‑leg date: August 12, 2025 – 0‑0 draw in Medellín.
  • Second‑leg date: August 20, 2025 – 1‑1 after 180 minutes.
  • Penalty shootout result: São Paulo 4‑3 Atlético Nacional.
  • Key scorers: André Silva (São Paulo) and Alfredo Morelos (Nacional).

First Leg in Medellín: A Tactical Stalemate

The opening encounter in the high‑altitude city of Medellín was a textbook example of caution. Both managers prefaced the match with defensive solidity, and the result reflected that mindset – a 0‑0 deadlock. David Ospina kept a clean sheet for Nacional, while São Paulo’s keeper Alisson was unbeaten.

Key moments included a missed header by André Silva in the 23rd minute and a near‑miss from Marino Hinestroza that rattled the crossbar in the 61st. Yellow cards were handed out sparingly, with São Paulo’s Nahuel Ferraresi receiving a booking for a tactical foul just before halftime.

Second Leg Drama in São Paulo

Back under the floodlights of the Morumbi, the atmosphere was electric. The home side wasted no time; in the 3rd minute, André Silva latched onto a quick pass from Rodrigo Nestor and tucked the ball low past Ospina, putting São Paulo ahead.

Atlético Nacional answered with resilience. A grinding spell in the 55th minute saw them earn a penalty after a handball in the box. Alfredo Morelos stepped up and coolly slotted the spot‑kick in the 70th, leveling the aggregate score and sending the tie into extra time.

Extra time produced few clear chances. Both sides exchanged corners, but the defenses held firm. As the 120th minute ticked away, the stage was set for the inevitable showdown: the penalty shootout.

Penalty Shootout: Heroes and Heartbreak

Penalty Shootout: Heroes and Heartbreak

From the outset, São Paulo displayed composure. Their first two takers, Luciano and Ferreira, buried their penalties in the bottom‑left corner. Nacional’s first attempt, taken by Marlos Moreno, was saved by Alisson, giving the Brazilians a vital edge.

The turning point arrived with Marino Hinestroza. With the shootout tied at 3‑3, his strike clipped the crossbar and bounced out – a heart‑breaker for the Colombian side.

São Paulo’s final taker, Rodrigo Nestor, calmly slotted home the decisive spot‑kick, sealing a 4‑3 shootout win. After the final whistle, club captain Luiz Moura said, "We've trained for moments like this. The fans gave us the belief, and we delivered." Nacional’s coach, Carlos Restrepo, lamented, "It hurts deeply, but we’ll learn. The penalty was a cruel twist of fate."

What’s Next for São Paulo?

With the round of 16 behind them, São Paulo now turns its focus to the quarter‑finals, where they are slated to face either River Plate or Boca Juniors, depending on the outcome of the other tie. The club’s sporting director, Fábio Nunes, hinted that the squad will stay put for a short recovery period before resuming training.

Experts stress that the psychological edge gained from surviving a high‑pressure shootout could prove decisive in the next round. Former Brazilian international and pundit Jair Guimarães noted, "Penalty success breeds confidence. If São Paulo can carry that belief forward, they’ll be a formidable opponent for any Argentine giant."

Frequently Asked Questions

How does this result affect Atlético Nacional’s Libertadores campaign?

The loss eliminates Nacional from the 2025 Copa Libertadores, ending their title defense early. It also drops them to the secondary competition, the Sudamericana, where they’ll need to regroup quickly.

Who were the standout performers for São Paulo?

André Silva’s early goal set the tone, while goalkeeper Alisson’s crucial save during the shootout earned him Man of the Match honors. Rodrigo Nestor’s composure on the final penalty also stood out.

What were the key tactical changes made by São Paulo in the second leg?

Coach Rogério Ceni switched to a more aggressive pressing system after the early goal, and introduced Juan Bauza in the 68th minute to add width, which helped create the penalty‑winning chance.

When is the quarter‑final match scheduled, and who could São Paulo face?

The quarter‑finals kick off on September 11, 2025. São Paulo’s opponent will be the winner of the River Plate vs Boca Juniors tie, both of which are Argentine powerhouses.

What does this victory mean for São Paulo’s fans?

The win reignites hope among a fan base that’s hungry for continental success. Ticket sales for the next home leg are expected to surge, and the club’s merchandise numbers have already jumped by 15% since the shootout.