Crespo aims to boost São Paulo record against Santos in key clash | OneFootball

São Paulo has nothing less than a hugely important derby to define its path in the Campeonato Paulista. This Saturday, Tricolor faces Santos at 8:30 p.m. (Brasília time), at Morumbis, in a match valid for the sixth round of the State Championship.

Tricolor needs to get back to winning in the State Championship. Under coach Hernán Crespo, the team sits in 14th place with just four points—one win, one draw, and three losses in five games.

The derby is doubly important for São Paulo. A win against Santos would not only move Tricolor away from the relegation zone in the Paulista but also keep the team alive in the fight for a spot in the knockout stage. Eight clubs advance to the quarterfinals, while the bottom two are relegated.

The Tricolor fans promise to do their part to push the team, which comes in motivated after a comeback win over Flamengo in the Brasileirão. More than 30,000 tickets have already been sold for this Saturday's clash.

Crespo looks to improve his personal record

With less pressure on his shoulders after the victory over Flamengo, coach Hernán Crespo will need to overcome a negative milestone to leave Morumbis with all three points. The coach has a less than stellar individual record in derbies against Santos.

Crespo has faced Santos six times: twice with Defensa y Justicia-ARG and four times with São Paulo. In this span, he has suffered four defeats, one draw, and only one win. His teams have scored seven goals and conceded eight.

It was with São Paulo that Crespo achieved his only victory against Peixe so far. Still in his first stint as coach, Tricolor thrashed their rivals from Baixada Santista 4-0 at Morumbis, in the first phase of the 2021 Paulista. Gabriel Sara, Luan Peres (own goal), Pablo, and Tchê Tchê found the net.

In the most recent meeting between the teams, Crespo was beaten by Santos, coached by his compatriot Vojvoda. São Paulo lost 1-0 at Vila Belmiro in the Brazilian Championship, with a goal by Guilherme.

Now, the Argentine coach will have the mission of overcoming a tough rival to secure a second consecutive win for São Paulo this season.

Upcoming São Paulo matches

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