Cauly shines in São Paulo debut, breaks records in Brasileirão win | OneFootball

Cauly was Hernán Crespo’s big bet in São Paulo’s reserve squad to face Coritiba. And it worked out very well. The new midfielder for Tricolor led several of the team’s offensive stats, scored the winning goal in the 1-0 victory, was the best player on the field and even broke records with his positive statistics in Paraná.

After making his debut for the club against Bragantino in the Paulista Championship, but only playing the final minutes, the number 80 finally made his first start, being the main player responsible for organizing the team. And he did not disappoint.

The São Paulo player created four big chances, completed three dribbles, and had two shots on goal, leading the team in all these categories. He also delivered two accurate crosses out of six attempts, and completed 23 out of 28 passes in the match.

In addition, he was also important in defense. He made two interceptions, recovered five balls for São Paulo, and won four out of nine duels for possession.

With these numbers, Cauly became the first player to debut in the Brasileirão for São Paulo with a match of at least four chances created and three successful dribbles, according to the page DatFut.

Another milestone reached by the former Bahia player: he was the first São Paulo player to provide four key passes for teammates in this 2026 Brasileirão.

Tolói is the best in defense

Crespo went back to the three center-back formation in Coritiba, with two regular starters, Alan Franco and Arboleda, along with Rafael Tolói, who hadn’t played for eight matches. And it was precisely him who led the Tricolor defense away from home.

Tolói had the most defensive actions on the team, contributing three clearances, four ball recoveries, two interceptions, and three tackles against Coritiba. The captain even appeared in the box during a corner kick, heading a dangerous ball saved by the opposing goalkeeper.

With strong performances, the pair showed the Argentine coach that they can be relied upon. Hernán Crespo liked what he saw from the reserves on the field and did not hesitate to praise some names during the press conference in Paraná.

“I think the team played very well, both with and without the ball. They understood what the game required and needed, we created opportunities. I want to congratulate Ferreira, Wendell, Tolói. These are players who have been playing less. Cauly as well, who just arrived. But the players who have had fewer minutes showed that they deserve to play, that they deserve a chance. They showed they can play. It’s not easy to come here and play like São Paulo did, without fear and with courage. This group showed unity, the humility to understand what the game needed,” said the coach.

The year will be long…

The result at Couto Pereira means the Morumbi club has now reached eight games unbeaten in all competitions, with seven wins and one draw. In the Brasileirão, they have reached ten points in the main national competition and will remain at the top of the standings.

“Confidence is fundamental, because it’s going to be a very long season. The South American Cup, lots of travel, the Brasileirão as well, and being competitive in the Paulista Championship. The idea is to be competitive and to have a squad that understands the needs, what the competitions really require. The group is united, with humility. Right now, they are very confident,” Crespo added.

After resting his main squad, Crespo will now have the entire team available for the semifinal of the Paulista Championship on Sunday (March 1), against rivals Palmeiras, in Barueri (SP). In the Brasileirão, the team will only return to the field on March 12 (Thursday), at 8pm (Brasília time), against Chapecoense. The match is scheduled as a home game for Tricolor, but it has not yet been confirmed for Morumbi, which is occupied by the AC/DC concert.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.