VAR chalks off goal, São Paulo draw with Boca, out of Copa Sul-Americana

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·16 September 2026

VAR chalks off goal, São Paulo draw with Boca, out of Copa Sul-Americana

São Paulo have been eliminated from the Copa Sudamericana and no longer have any chance of winning a title this season.

The Tricolor team failed to overturn their 1-0 defeat to Boca Juniors in the first leg and could only manage a 1-1 draw with the Argentines in the match played on Tuesday night (15) at a packed Morumbi, in the second leg of the continental competition’s quarterfinals.

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Early Pressure from Tricolor: São Paulo started the match with an attacking approach, putting pressure on Boca Juniors’ defensive lines. Backed strongly by the crowd, the team tried to create chances mainly with runs down the wings, but came up against the solid Argentine defense. Boca Juniors Goal: Little by little, Boca slowed the pace of the match by wasting time with passing sequences and set pieces. In a quick transition from their own half, the visitors opened the scoring in the 14th minute. Lozano played a good one-two on the right and received a pinpoint pass from Flores between the center-backs in the attacking half. São Paulo’s defense switched off, and the player broke through alone into the box. The full-back got his shot away, Rafael managed to get a touch on the ball, but could not stop the goal. Search for the Equalizer: In the second half, coach Dorival Júnior made substitutions to add more attacking presence. In the 22nd minute, Ryan Francisco redirected a cross from Luciano into the net, but the play was ruled out for offside after a VAR review. Glimmer of Hope: São Paulo kept pressing until they found the equalizer at 1-1. Artur took a corner to the far post, and Domingos Duarte rose above his marker to level the match, renewing the fans’ hope in the stadium. Full Time and Elimination: Despite the late pressure and repeated balls sent into the box, Tricolor were unable to score the second goal they needed to take the tie to a penalty shootout.

With the Sudamericana no longer on the calendar, São Paulo must now focus all their efforts on the final stretch of the Brazilian Championship to climb the table, put the relegation threat behind them once and for all, and perhaps dream of a place in next year’s Copa Libertadores.

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