A familiar referee raises tension for Internacional x São Paulo | OneFootball

Alex Gomes Stefano has been appointed as the referee for the upcoming Brasileirão clash between Internacional and São Paulo, set for Sunday in Porto Alegre, according to Arquibancada Tricolor. Assisting Stefano on the pitch will be Rodrigo Figueiredo Henrique Correa and Carlos Henrique Alves de Lima Filho, while Pablo Ramon Goncalves Pinheiro will oversee video review operations from the VAR booth.

Stefano is no stranger to São Paulo matches. The last time he officiated for the Tricolor came on July 16, when the side played out a 2-2 draw against RB Bragantino in the 14th round of the current campaign at Bragança Paulista.

Heading into matchday 18, both Internacional and São Paulo find themselves in close proximity on the table. São Paulo, managed by Hernán Crespo, occupy ninth place with 22 points, having collected five wins, seven draws, and five losses, and posting a marginal goal difference: 18 scored to 19 conceded. Internacional trail by just a single point in 11th, holding an almost identical record with five victories, six draws, five defeats, 17 goals for, and 20 against.

The choice of refereeing team takes on added significance for São Paulo, who have previously voiced concerns this season related to officiating consistency. With both sides in pressing need of points to improve their standings and several players on each team walking disciplinary tightropes, the performance of Stefano and his crew will be under close scrutiny.

This contest at Beira Rio will mark another test for both squads—and for the officials assigned to maintain order in what is traditionally a fiercely contested fixture. The appointment of Stefano, who last worked a São Paulo draw marked by tension and late drama, only heightens the stakes for both the visitors and hosts as they seek to navigate another pivotal evening in the Brazilian top flight.

(Sources: Arquibancada Tricolor)

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