Luciano silences critics with derby heroics | OneFootball

Luciano remains one of the most polarizing figures among Sao Paulo fans, his performances often splitting opinion inside MorumBIS, but few could dispute his impact in the club’s recent derby win, according to Arquibancada Tricolor. With two well-taken goals securing a vital 2-0 victory over Corinthians, Luciano once again demonstrated an uncanny knack for making a difference when Sao Paulo needs it most.

Those who follow Sao Paulo closely know the debate around Luciano’s role has persisted for some time. Criticized in the past for being deployed too far from goal or out of his preferred position, he’s often swung between moments of apparent indifference and match-winning influence. Under new head coach Hernán Crespo, now three matches into his tenure, Luciano returned to a more central role in attack—close to the penalty area where he’s historically most effective.

Saturday night’s classic offered a reminder of his value. Luciano’s double provided rare clarity in a season marked by uncertainty and pressure. Not long ago, his suitability for the starting eleven was in question; now, in a system that places him nearer goal, he is proving an essential figure during one of the club’s toughest stretches.

Comparisons are being drawn among supporters to the pivotal role played by Hernanes in 2017, when his goals and leadership helped steer Sao Paulo away from relegation danger. While it’s too soon for direct parallels, the pattern is similar: with the team missing key players and needing someone willing to assume responsibility, Luciano embraced the challenge.

Despite his decisive contributions, Luciano’s presence is still debated among Tricolor supporters—some appreciate his grit and clutch finishing, others remain cautious, pointing to prior inconsistencies. But when games hinge on a single moment, few in the current squad have shown such a propensity for delivering. His recent outings have highlighted once again where he causes defenses the most problems: operating close to the opposition’s box.

Sao Paulo’s broader outlook remains one of vulnerability, with a thin squad and demanding schedule. The win over Corinthians, propelled by Luciano’s emergence as the match-winner, provides momentary breathing room but doesn’t erase the season’s earlier struggles. Whether Luciano can sustain this impact will be crucial for Crespo as he seeks stability and upward momentum for a side still searching for its best form.

For now, with Sao Paulo’s campaign on a knife edge, Luciano’s capacity for producing under pressure is a welcome—and possibly decisive—asset.

(Source: Arquibancada Tricolor)

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