Crespo explains why Ferreirinha didn’t start against LDU in Quito | OneFootball

Coach Hernán Crespo explained why Ferreirinha, who came on in the second half and changed the game for São Paulo, did not start as a starter against LDU this Thursday in Quito, Ecuador, in the first leg of the quarter-finals of the Copa Libertadores.

Despite the 2-0 defeat to the Ecuadorians, São Paulo dominated the opponent at various moments of the game, especially in the second half, with Ferreirinha being a major threat on the left side of the field.

“He was injured during the week, did not train, had problems with his adductor. He trained one day before coming here,” Crespo revealed referring to Ferreirinha.

The forward was replaced by Emiliano Rigoni in the starting lineup, but the Argentine could not make a difference. At halftime, he was substituted by Ferreirinha, who, even far from his ideal physical condition, outperformed LDU's defenders in individual duels and almost scored a great goal, with the rival defender's deflection changing the ball's trajectory, which was on target.

For the return match next Thursday at 7 pm (Brasília time) at Morumbi, the expectation is that Ferreirinha will be fit to start for São Paulo against LDU. In fact, it's not just the forward who is expected to return to the team in the most important game of the year for Tricolor.

Lucas Moura, who is recovering from a knee arthroscopy, and Oscar, in physical transition after fracturing three lumbar vertebrae, may also appear as new additions for São Paulo in the match against LDU.

To secure qualification in regular time, São Paulo will need to win by three goals. A victory by two goals will take the decision to penalties. The Ecuadorians only need a draw or even a one-goal defeat to advance to the Libertadores semifinals.

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