Leonardo de Sá
One of the most unlikely scenarios for the Brasileirão 2026 debut took place in the clash between São Paulo and Flamengo. Two teams at different timeswith one side announcing the most expensive signing in the history of Brazilian football — Lucas Paquetá, for the Red and Black. On the other, a club more present on police pages than sports pageswhile going through the height of a financial crisis marked by internal corruption schemes. This was the “atmosphere” before the São Paulo tricolor’s victory over the current champion of the competition. Only a “miracle” would change the situation.
The match, at first, had little to do with it. Pressure from Flamengo on one sideretrace and a true God help us in São Paulo’s defense of the other. The red-black team even arrived with danger, taking advantage of the opponent’s constant positioning flaws — something that recurred in the first stage —, but wasted chances due to offensive inefficiency. Carrascal had the best of them, face to face with Rafael, but wasted the opportunity to open the scoring.
Even with clear dominance, reflected in 57% ball possession and six more shotsthe red and black fans felt the chill down their spines whenever Rossi made risky throws. No new relevant scaresthe teams went to halftime with the score zero.
Flamengo takes the lead
When the second half returned, the game changed. Right at the beginning, a cross found Pedro’s chestwho made the adjustment for Plata to open the scoring. São Paulo’s defense didn’t follow the move, got confused and got in the way, opening space for the opponent’s clean finish. Flamengo maintained control and put pressure on the tricolor for a few more minutes.
Everything seemed lost
When the scenario pointed to São Paulo’s fourth defeat of the year, Luciano appeared. After a good shot from Enzo Díaz on the counterattack, the striker scored his goal goal number 104 for the club. The move was a rare offensive flash, as the red and black pressure continued to be intense and the chances continued to arise. Until, in a poorly executed attempt to clear the ball after a cross, Pulgar ended up serving Danielzinhowho only needed to finish to turn the game around.
The crowd came down. In the football desert where São Paulo insists on survivingeven with a story that suggests otherwise, a flower of hope emerged with the turnaround over the most powerful team in the country. It is a fact that Flamengo is experiencing a moment of instability, with recent negative results and mixed use of the squad — something that did not happen against the São Paulo tricolor.
At the end, Rafael performed a miracle with Plata’s header, which generated a rebound for Arrascaeta to miss perhaps the clearest chance of the match. The Uruguayan also complained about a possible “foot braid” from Alan Francoa move that generated confusion, discussion and culminated in Jorginho’s expulsion for complaining.
Breathe in the midst of the crisis
The victory does not structurally change the delicate situation experienced by São Paulo. The club remains in debt, surrounded by controversies and at risk in the Campeonato Paulista. Still, minimizing the triumph over one of the biggest teams in the country does not match reality. The team won using what they had at their disposal, with moments of organization and flashes of a widely criticized defense at the start of the season.
SIGA THE FOOTBALL
Facebook
Instagram
Linkedin
Threads
Tik Tok
Arboleda won five of seven tackles and eight of nine duels on the ground. Rafael showed up when he was requiredwhile Luciano, Danielzinho and Enzo Díaz also fulfilled their roles. The dedication on the field brought results, and the team performed differently from what it had been presenting. The problems remain far from a solutionbut the path that seemed to lead to one of the worst years in recent history can, at least, take detours that allow timely respite in the midst of the crisis.
