Rigoni returns to XI for key tie, aims to end goal drought | OneFootball

One of the surprises in São Paulo's lineup for the start of the quarterfinals of the Copa Libertadores against LDU, Emiliano Rigoni carries a drought of over six months.

The Argentine, signed on the last day of the transfer window, hasn't scored since January 31 of this year, when he was still playing for León, in Mexico.

On that occasion, he scored in the 2-1 victory against Mazatlán, in the Mexican Championship. The drought also extends to assists.

The last direct involvement in a goal was on March 30, when he provided a decisive pass against Pumas, also in the Mexican league.

Moreover, in the last two years, Rigoni has played 29 games (11 for Austin, in the United States, and 18 for León) with only two goals and one assist.

This performance contrasts with the expectations created during his first stint with Tricolor, when he was decisive in knockout matches under Hernán Crespo's management.

The drought comes at a delicate time for São Paulo, which is struggling with a series of absences in the offensive sector. With Calleri, André Silva, Lucas, and Ryan Francisco out due to injury, and Ferreirinha not in ideal physical shape, Crespo needs to find alternatives to maintain the team's competitiveness.

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