São Paulo: Lucas benched, Rigoni wing-back, defence changed v LDU | OneFootball

The São Paulo lineup is set for the most important game of the year, this Thursday, against LDU, at Morumbis, at 7 PM (Brasília time), for the return leg of the quarterfinals of the Libertadores. Lucas Moura has been included by coach Hernán Crespo, but will start the match on the bench. Rigoni as a right wing-back and Sabino entering the defense are other new developments. Oscar, on the other hand, is out of the decisive match.

Nahuel Ferraresi, considered a starter in defense, felt muscle discomfort and will be replaced by Sabino. Marcos Antônio, who trained partially this Wednesday also due to a muscle problem, was preserved, being removed from the starting team and replaced by Pablo Maia.

Cédric Soares, who was dealing with a virus, was not included, just like Oscar. The Portuguese player gives way to Rigoni, improvised on the right, while Mailton is an option for the position on the bench.

Luiz Gustavo, recovered from a pulmonary embolism, returns to the squad after almost six months. His last game was the victory over Talleres, in Argentina, during the group stage of the Libertadores.

The complete São Paulo lineup includes Rafael; Arboleda, Alan Franco, and Sabino; Rigoni, Pablo Maia, Bobadilla, Rodriguinho, and Enzo Díaz; Ferreirinha and Luciano.

After losing the first leg 2-0 in Quito, Ecuador, despite being superior to the opponent, São Paulo needs a victory by three goals to secure a spot in the Libertadores semifinals in regular time.

A win by two goals would take the decision to penalties. The Ecuadorians only need a draw or even a one-goal loss to advance in the South American tournament.

São Paulo hasn't overturned a two-goal deficit in a Libertadores knockout stage since 1993. That year, when they became two-time champions, Tricolor lost the first leg of the round of 16 to Newell’s Old Boys, from Argentina, 2-0, but thrashed the rival at Morumbis 4-0.

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