São Paulo ratings: Rafael shines, argues with Arboleda, concedes late | OneFootball

São Paulo had its first derby of the year against Corinthians on the afternoon of this Sunday (18), and even at the rival's home, played a solid match, made good use of the few chances, but suffered a draw in the final minutes in a duel that ended 1-1 in the 3rd round of the Paulistão. Besides Tapia, the goal scorer, Rafael was the standout player for São Paulo, with excellent saves and strong demands on the defense. Danielzinho performed well once again. See the ratings and evaluations:

BEST PLAYER: Rafael – 7.0 – Showed he was alert from the start with a good save from a high free kick. Was vocal in the defense at times, demanding attention, especially from Arboleda. At 28’, he deflected a dangerous shot from Yuri, and another at 41’. Great first half, where the team was heavily attacked. Made a miraculous save at 10’ of the second half, preventing an own goal by Maik, stretching fully and clearing almost on the line. The goal was unstoppable.

Maik – 5.5 – Returning from suspension, he regained his starting position at right-back. Couldn't break free from the rival's marking at the start. Defensively secure. Left the field at the end for Cédric Soares.

Arboleda – 5.0 – Almost gifted a goal to the rival by taking the ball from Rafael's hands but was saved by Yuri Alberto, who shot wide. Got a stern talking-to from the goalkeeper. Cleared a few other balls in the 1st half but didn't inspire confidence. More attentive, improved significantly in the final stage. The scoldings worked.

Alan Franco – 5.5 – After being rested, returned to the team for the derby. Showed too much confidence in some early plays that almost complicated the team. Was firmer as the first half progressed, winning most duels. Was playing a great game until he let the ball slip that led to the rival's equalizer.

Wendell – 5.0 – Received a yellow card in the first minute of the game for a foul on Bidon by raising his leg too high. Perhaps too harsh. Didn't appear in attack. At the end of the first half, took a good free kick to Luciano's head. Left the field in the 2nd half for Nicolas at 15 minutes. Didn't have a great game.

Marcos Antônio – 6.0 – Good initial movement. Another who got a yellow, right at 20’. Struggled with the rival's strong marking in some moments. Showed he could form a great duo with Danielzinho. Left the field for Pablo Maia at the end.

Bobadilla – 5.5 – Was good in the initial ball distribution, despite a scare when retreating in a dangerous play. At the end of the 1st half, made a disastrous pass in defense to no one, setting up a rival counterattack. Was more attentive in the second half.

Danielzinho – 6.5 – Earned the starting spot after a good performance in the last game. Started well in a duo with Marcos Antônio. Provided a perfect ball for Tapia to score with a header. Hardly missed passes during the game and once again commanded the midfield.

DISAPPOINTMENT: Lucas – 4.0 – Once again started as a starter. Made a completely overpowered pass at the beginning. Didn't have a good start to the derby and had a first half with many errors. Remained little involved and was substituted in the 2nd half for Ferreirinha.

Luciano – 5.5 – Didn't have much involvement in the first half, except for a great header at the end, forcing a great save from Hugo. But fought hard. Continued without much highlight in the second half. Given his history, he could have stood out more in the derby, where he usually shines. Received a yellow for complaining after the conceded goal.

Tapia – 6.5 – Was missing in the 1st half until he silenced all critics and acted as a true number 9. Rose well to head and open the scoring, scoring again in the derby, on the team's first shot. Always determined. Received a yellow card at the end of the match. Almost became the hero of the derby. Substituted by Calleri in the final minutes.

Nicolas – 5.5 – The youngster replaced Wendell at left-back at 15’ of the second half. Showed a lot of determination and personality.

Cédric – 5.5 – Came on at 30’ of the final stage in place of Maik. Was secure in holding off the rival defensively.

Ferreirinha – No rating – Replaced the uninspired Lucas at the end of the game. Didn't have much time and barely touched the ball.

Pablo Maia – No rating – Came on for Marcos Antônio at the end.

Calleri – No rating – Entered the field only in the final minutes of the derby, replacing Tapia.

Hernán Crespo – 5.5 – Kept the formation with four defenders and three men further forward. The team faced difficulties at the start of the 1st half but changed the scenario with the goal. Made changes in the second half, trying to secure the victory in Itaquera, but ended up conceding the equalizer at the end.

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