Debutants, Iago at his limit, Newton on versatility: “São Paulo live on” | OneFootball

São Paulo had some strong debuts on Tuesday night (11), in the 1-1 draw with Bolívar in the first leg of the Copa Sudamericana round of 16, played in La Paz, Bolivia.

One of them was full-back Iago, who started and put in a good performance before being replaced by Wendell in the second half. The new signing provided the assist for Arboleda’s headed goal.

“I’ve been working very hard waiting for this opportunity, and today it came. I gave everything I had and managed to provide the assist for Arboleda. So I’m very happy with my debut and with the commitment of the whole team,” he said in an interview with ESPN.

Another player who also made a good impression in his first match wearing the Tricolor shirt was defensive midfielder Newton, who played at center-back in the Bolivian altitude and held his own.

“I’m very happy with my debut in this shirt. It’s a dream come true. As for the positioning, like I said in my press conference, I’m here to help São Paulo. Whatever position the coach puts me in, I’ll want to do my best. It’s a role I’ve already played a few times at Botafogo,” explained the Tricolor player.

“And I was able to battle in the duels, provide cover, and help the team. We’re still alive for the second leg, and we’re going to go all out there to secure qualification,” Newton said after the away draw.

With the draw, whoever wins in the second leg will advance. The match is scheduled for next Tuesday (18) at 9:30 p.m. (Brasília time) at Morumbi. Another draw will send the decision over who reaches the quarterfinals to penalties. Before that match, however, Tricolor have a do-or-die clash against Coritiba in the Brazilian Championship at 9 p.m. (Brasília time) on Saturday (15), also at home.

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