São Paulo’s big gamble: all or nothing at MorumBIS | OneFootball

São Paulo brace for a decisive Copa Libertadores clash at MorumBIS on Tuesday night, knowing that every detail could make the difference with their last-16 encounter against Atlético Nacional still goalless after the first leg, according to Arquibancada Tricolor.

After a hard-fought stalemate in Medellín—where Rafael’s penalty save preserved parity—São Paulo have returned home with the margin for error as slim as ever. Both sides will arrive at MorumBIS needing a single result to progress: a win sends one to the quarter-finals outright, while another draw will force a penalty shootout.

Atlético Nacional prepared for this trip by drawing 2-2 against Fortaleza FC in the Colombian league over the weekend. They took the field with a mixed lineup and twice held the lead, thanks to Marlos Moreno’s goal and a Fortaleza own goal, but ultimately failed to take maximum points. The Colombian side has since shifted its full focus to the Libertadores, hoping that the open scoreline and revived attack provide momentum against São Paulo.

Meanwhile, Hernán Crespo has had to balance priorities and protect his squad amid a congested fixture calendar. The weekend draw at Sport saw widespread rotation with several seasoned players either rested as a precaution or sidelined through injury. The likes of Rafael, Alisson, Marcos Antônio, and Luciano were deliberately held out, underlying the club’s emphasis on arriving at Tuesday’s match at full strength when it matters most.

Rafael’s standout display in the first leg earned him a spot in the Libertadores Team of the Week and has reinforced São Paulo’s defensive backbone. The experienced keeper is likely to play a central role once more, especially if the tie extends to penalties.

The home side have received an added boost from the competition for places and youth stepping up in recent matches. The defensive unit, marshaled by Rafael and bolstered by disciplined performances from players like Ferraresi and Rodriguinho, will need to remain vigilant against Atlético Nacional’s front line, who found the net twice in their domestic run-out.

With the balance of the contest delicately poised and both teams seeking to stamp their authority early, Crespo will be hoping his strategic rotation pays off and São Paulo’s blend of energy and experience can edge them into the quarter-finals.

(Information sourced from Arquibancada Tricolor.)